A dormant grenade exploded on Taiwo Street in the Idi-Araba area of Mushin, Lagos State, on Thursday, April 3, 2025, resulting in the death of a scavenger
Three others were injured in the explosion which happened when the deceased attempted to dismantle a military-grade grenade, which he had reportedly acquired as scrap metal.
Eyewitnesses reported that the scavenger was trying to cut open one of two grenades he had obtained, leading to the device detonating inside the scrapyard.
The explosion killed him instantly and caused injuries to three bystanders. The blast also triggered a fire, causing panic among residents in the densely populated neighbourhood.
The incident has raised concerns among locals about how such dangerous explosives ended up in civilian hands.
Many residents suspect that the grenades may have been stolen or improperly disposed of from military sources.
A resident expressed alarm, questioning how a bomb could be accessible to a scavenger and urging authorities to trace its origin and apprehend those responsible.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the explosion, describing it as accidental.
Police spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin stated that a distress call was received around 1:30 p.m., prompting the deployment of officers from the Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit in Ikeja.
Upon arrival, the team secured the scene and determined that the explosion resulted from the scavenger tampering with the grenade.
The injured individuals were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, and the deceased’s body was taken to the mortuary for an autopsy. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution and report any suspicious items or activities to the police to prevent similar incidents in the future.
