Lagos, Nigeria – An explosion rocked the Ikeja Military Cantonment in Lagos State on Monday, prompting a response from the Nigerian Army. The explosion, which occurred on a farmland within the cantonment, raised concerns among residents and officials alike.
Details surrounding the explosion were scarce at the time of reporting, with no immediate reports of casualties. The incident brought back memories of a devastating bomb explosion that occurred in the cantonment on January 27, 2002, resulting in numerous fatalities and displacements.
In a statement released by the Nigerian Army, the explosion was described as a minor incident, with authorities urging residents to remain calm. The Army’s Engineers Explosive Ordnance Disposal team quickly cordoned off the affected area to initiate a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion.
The statement from Maj Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Public Relations for the Nigerian Army, explained that the explosion was suspected to have been triggered by the burning of refuse and other flammable debris on the farmland by a local farmer. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the incident.
Despite the lack of casualties, the historical context of explosions within the cantonment raised concerns among the public. However, the Nigerian Army assured residents that the situation was under control and emphasized the safety measures being taken to investigate the incident further.
Further investigations revealed that in October 2023, the service had recovered 642 unexploded bombs from the cantonment area. This recent incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by unexploded ordnances in the region, highlighting the importance of thorough clearance and safety protocols in military facilities.