Explosion in Lagos Kills Scavenger, Injures Three Others in Scrap Yard

• Apr 05, 2025

On Thursday afternoon, an explosion rocked the Idi-Araba area of Mushin, Lagos, causing panic among local residents. The explosion, which occurred around 12:00 p.m., resulted in the death of a metal scrap dealer, known as a scavenger, and left three others injured.

According to Benjamin Hundeyin, spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, the explosion took place in a scrap yard where the scavengers were dismantling metal. It was later revealed that the blast was caused by a military grenade being handled by the dealers. The injured individuals have since been taken to a medical facility, where they are currently receiving treatment.

“The explosion resulted in one fatality and three people hospitalized. The grenade was being dismantled by the scrap dealers,” Hundeyin said in an interview with the Peoples Gazette on Saturday. He confirmed that the area was quickly secured by the Explosive and Ordnance Department (EOD) of the Nigerian Police Force to ensure safety.

Hundeyin further stated that an investigation is underway to determine how the military grenade ended up in the hands of the scavengers and where it came from. Local authorities are working to uncover the origins of the dangerous device and ensure such incidents do not happen again in the future.

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing risks associated with metal scavenging, a practice common in various parts of Lagos, where scrap dealers often handle hazardous materials. The authorities are keen to prevent further accidents and ensure the safety of residents in affected areas.