The Nigerian Army and Lagos Police Command are investigating the sources of the military grade grenades which got into the hands of scavengers at Idi-Araba, Mushin where one exploded last Thursday.
Although the Explosives Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) unit of the police was able to recover the remaining grenades and prevent a catastrophe in the area, Nigerians have continued to ask how such explosives got into the hands of scrap collectors
The 81 Division of the Army and the Lagos State police issued separate statements at the weekend assuring residents of an ongoing investigation.
The spokesperson of the 81 Division, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, said the CIED squadron was tasked to work with the Police-EOD to investigate the source and circumstances which led to the explosion.
“The team will also inspect the general area to ensure its continued safety. The residents in the general area are advised not to panic and remain calm,” he said.
The police spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin said “the Command’s EOD-CBRN Unit has been working in collaboration with the Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) Squadron of the 81 Division, Nigerian Army, to determine the origin of the explosive device and ensure all necessary actions are taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents in the future.
“Members of the public are hereby advised to exercise serious caution, especially those involved in scavenging, scrap metal trading, and to report any suspicious objects at the nearest police station for appropriate action
The grenade exploded in the hands of a scavenger while they were trying to cut it into pieces.
The incident which happened at 40, Taiwo Street, led to a fire outbreak at the dunghill causing panic in the community.
