Bomb explosion kills one, injures policeman in Lagos

The injured victim

A bomb, yesterday, exploded at Miracle Sand Beach, located under Festac link bridge in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State, leaving the chairman of the Local Dredgers  Association, Chief Oladele Pius, dead.

A Police Inspector simply identified as Sanni, also had his leg shattered by the explosion.
A local dredger who identified himself as Adeola Peter said the deceased resumed work yesterday. Having parked his white Pathfinder SUV with Number plate LSR 957 AZ, the deceased made for his usual duty post, oblivious of the impending tragedy.
Thirty minutes later, he was said to have received a phone call, following which he drove out and returned in the company of Inspector Sanni and made straight for his usual sitting position on the fence. He reportedly called one of his staff simply identified as Dogo, to buy ‘Alomo Bitters’, a local gin which he shared with his police friend.
According to Adeola: “He sat under the dwarf fence having drinks with his police friend when the bomb exploded.  The bomb must have been planted where he usually sat. But I don’t think it was planted today because we have been working here since morning and if someone was doing such a thing in our presence we would have noticed.”
Another eyewitness, Mr. Thomas Wawe, a  motorist narrated thus: “The incident happened at about 12 noon as I was driving back to my office at Mile-2 area. All of a sudden there was a thunderous blast and everybody started running helter skelter.
“It took a while before people started gathering near the blast having made sure there was no more unexploded device. The sympathizers and rescue team recovered a man from under the bridge. I saw the leg of the man already ripped off and motionless. Apparently, the leg was severed as a result of the devastating effect of the explosion. Police men later arrived and condoned off the entire place. That was all I saw.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Umar Manko at the scene of the blast

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Umar Manko who was at the scene, described the explosion as a minor one, calling on Lagosians not to panicAccording to him: “Contrary  to people’s fear that it was bomb blast, it was a mere electrical fault at the Amuwo Odofin Bridge. Anti-bomb experts have been called in to assess the situation and I will be adequately briefed later.
”From the investigation so far, it has been revealed that it was not a terrorist attack; not an act of Boko Haram, neither was it a bomb blast.
”I urged Lagosians to go about their lawful businesses without fear because Lagos remains a peaceful and safe state. It is not a question of letter bomb. This is not an incident that will attract fear. So, Lagosians should feel free.