A military grenade has reportedly exploded in Idi-Araba, Mushin area of Lagos State killing on person – a yet-to-be-identified scavenger – on the spot.
It was gathered that three other people were injured from the explosion that rocked the area on Thursday, April 3, 2025.
Sources at the scene of the incident reported that several scavengers in a metal scrap yard were attempting to dismantle one of the grenades they had when the device exploded.
The explosion killed one of the scavengers instantly, while three others suffered severe injuries.
A local resident said that the blast, which occurred in the afternoon, caused widespread panic among nearby residents.
He explained, “The explosion was heard just after 12 pm, and the police were immediately alerted because no one knew what caused it. It wasn’t until the police arrived that we learned it was a grenade. The scavengers were trying to open one when it went off.”
After security personnel arrived at the scene, two unexploded grenades were reportedly found.
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons, shared that the injured were taken to the hospital. “We saw a vehicle transporting the injured to the hospital, and that’s when we understood what had happened. They were badly hurt. The vehicle stopped at a filling station, but the driver couldn’t even wait because of the queue,” the resident said.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident and stated that the Explosive and Ordinance Department had secured the area. He noted, “The explosion was caused by a military-grade grenade. One person was killed, and three others were hospitalized. The incident occurred around 1:30 pm, and the Explosive and Ordinance Department has made the area safe.”
He also mentioned that the site had been cordoned off, and there is no risk of further explosions. An investigation is underway.
