How scavenger triggered military grenade explosion in Lagos

A bomb explosion on Taiwo Street, Idi-Araba, in the Mushin Local Government Area of Lagos State was triggered by a scavenger, Saturday PUNCH has gathered.

 

The explosion claimed the life of the scavenger and left three others injured.

 

Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the scavenger was attempting to dismantle military-grade grenades with the intention of collecting them as part of the scrap metal he was searching for.

 

The scavenger, whose identity is yet to be known, was handling one of the grenades when it detonated, killing him instantly.

 

Three other individuals, whose names and addresses are also unknown, sustained varying degrees of injury and were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident.

 

He said, “At 13:30 hours on April 3, 2025, a distress call was received by the EOD unit based in Ikeja that there was a bomb explosion on Taiwo Street, Idi-Araba. Our team of EOD-CBRN operatives was swiftly mobilised to the scene.

 

“On arrival, the team ensured the area was safe, and after a thorough inspection, it was discovered that the explosion was caused by military-grade grenades that had been tampered with by a scavenger who was trying to split one of them. Sadly, the scavenger lost his life at the scene, while three others were injured and taken to a nearby hospital.”

 

Hundeyin further confirmed that the scene was secured, photographed, and crucial evidence was collected for analysis.

 

“The deceased’s body has been moved to a public morgue for autopsy, and an investigation has been initiated. Further developments will be communicated,” he added.