A tragic incident occurred on Thursday afternoon in the Idi-Araba area of Mushin, Lagos State, when a military-grade grenade exploded, killing a scavenger and injuring three others. The explosion happened at a metal scrap yard on Taiwo Street, where the scavenger was attempting to dismantle the grenade, mistakenly believing it to be scrap metal.
According to eyewitnesses and police reports, the scavenger was trying to split one of the grenades when it detonated, causing instant death. Three other individuals sustained severe injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The identities of the deceased and the injured remain unknown.
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that the explosion was accidental and resulted from the scavenger’s handling of the grenade. He stated that the Explosive and Ordinance Department of the police command was immediately mobilized to the scene, ensuring the area was secured and cordoned off to prevent further incidents. Two undetonated grenades were found and safely disposed of by the authorities.
The incident has raised concerns about how military-grade explosives ended up in the hands of scavengers. Residents have expressed shock and worry, questioning the source of the grenades and calling for investigations to trace their origin. The police have initiated an investigation into the matter, with the deceased’s body moved to a public morgue for autopsy.
This tragic event highlights the dangers of handling explosive devices and the need for vigilance in reporting suspicious items to security agencies. It also underscores the importance of ensuring that military equipment is properly secured and disposed of to prevent such accidents in the future.