A military-grade grenade exploded near Idi-Araba in Lagos State’s Mushin neighbourhood, resulting in the death of an unidentified scavenger and injuries to three others.
The explosion took place on Thursday, when a group of scavengers at a metal scrap yard attempted to dismantle a grenade they had in their possession.
The grenade unexpectedly detonated, killing one scavenger instantly and leaving three others with severe injuries.
A local resident, Akin Olawale, told PUNCH on Friday that the explosion caused panic among the community. “A sound of explosion was heard around past 12 pm and the police were immediately contacted because no one could ascertain the cause.
“It was later when the police arrived that we discovered that it was a grenade. The scavengers were trying to cut one of them open when it detonated,” he explained.
Following the arrival of security operatives, two undetonated grenades were reportedly discovered at the scene.
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons, mentioned that the injured individuals were taken to the hospital.
“We saw a vehicle moving some injured persons to the hospital and that was when we knew what happened. Those people we saw were terribly injured. It was when the vehicle stopped by a filling station that we saw them. The driver could not even wait because of the queue,” the resident said.
State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident and provided further details. “The explosion was caused by a military-grade grenade. One person was killed and three were hospitalised. The incident happened at about 1:30 pm and the Explosive and Ordinance Department has rendered the place safe. The scene of the incident has also been cordoned off. There is a zero possibility of another explosion and investigation has commenced,” he stated.
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