Panic in Lagos as objects suspected to be explosives discovered

THE NATION- There was panic on Lagos Island yesterday following the discovery of three objects suspected to be explosives.

The objects, which resembled big fireworks, were detected about 8 am by some residents at a junction close to a branch of Access Bank on Nnamdi Azikiwe Street, Lagos.

The spot is a stone’s throw to the Central Mosque.

A trader told The Nation that when the news spread, traders hurriedly closed their shops and rushed the scene. “By the time we got there, we discovered that the anti-bomb unit of the police had cordoned off the place in efforts to remove the objects,” the trader said”

Trading stopped for hours as people ran for their lives. Banks were hurriedly shut to keep hoodlums at bay.

At Tejuosho Market, those who refused to enter their shops for fear of an explosion were reassured after rescue officers searched the area with bomb detectors and found nothing.

A version of the story said a policeman suspected a man who came in a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) to distribute N1,000 notes to beggars, who he asked to leave the area before driving off.

Riot policemen and other security agencies attached to the Central Business District (CBD), according to reports, were the first to rise to the occasion.

Around noon, sources said operatives of the Anti-Bomb Squad packed the objects into their vehicle marked LSR276BP and drove off. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ebute-Ero, John Otahunmele, a Chief Superintendent (CSP) led the team.

Police spokesperson Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), said the contents of the abandoned bag found at the spot were not explosives but sealants.

In an official statement, the  command said: “About 8.35am, upon information that there were some suspicious items in the Tom Jones area by Nnamdi Azikwe Street, Lagos Island, operatives were quickly mobilised to the scene. The team recovered the items for analysis. However, the result of the test revealed that the items are sealants used in industries. Sealant is like gum and has no explosive component. Meanwhile, the area is calm and security very tight in Lagos, please.

“The items might have probably fallen out from someone’s load as they are items that are commonly used. Lagosians are advised to go about their normal duties as there is no cause for alarm.”

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) also described as a hoax, reports that the items were explosives.

The agency’s spokesman, Ibrahim Farinloye, urged residents to go about their businesses, insisting that the news was false. “It is not true. We have gone to the areas and I have also contacted the Anti-Bomb Squad to ascertain if any such thing was recovered. They said it was untrue. So, people should not be scared and should also not hesitate to report any suspicious object to the authorities,” he said.

Panic in Lagos as objects suspected to be explosives discovered