A bomb explosion on Taiwo Street in the Idi-Araba area of Lagos has resulted in the death of a scavenger and left three others injured. The tragic incident occurred on April 3, 2025, when the scavenger, whose identity remains undisclosed, attempted to dismantle a military-grade grenade in search of scrap metal.
The explosion, triggered during his handling of the grenade, instantly claimed his life, while the three others sustained injuries of varying degrees. It was revealed that the scavenger was engaged in the dangerous task of extracting materials from a grenade, which he likely intended to sell as scrap metal.
The mishandling of the military-grade device led to its detonation, causing an explosion that shook the surrounding area. The authorities were alerted to the blast, and the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) unit quickly responded to secure the scene and ensure public safety.
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident, detailing that the explosion took place at approximately 1:30 PM.
He explained that the EOD team from Ikeja was swiftly dispatched to the site, where they conducted a thorough inspection. It was determined that the scavenger’s attempt to dismantle a grenade had caused the fatal blast. Hundeyin stated that the deceased’s body had been removed for an autopsy, and an ongoing investigation into the incident had been initiated.
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The three individuals who were injured during the explosion were quickly transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Authorities have not disclosed their identities or the extent of their injuries, but their condition remains under evaluation.
The local community in the Mushin area remains in shock over the incident, which highlights the dangers faced by scavengers who often handle hazardous materials without proper knowledge or safety precautions.
This explosion is the latest in a series of tragic incidents involving the mishandling of explosives in urban areas. While scavenging for scrap metal is a common practice in many parts of Lagos, it is increasingly becoming a dangerous activity due to the discovery of military-grade ordnance in urban environments.
As investigations continue, authorities have urged the public to avoid handling suspicious objects and to report any potential hazards to the appropriate authorities.
