The Nigerian Army has confirmed a minor explosion at the army cantonment in Ikeja, Lagos, reassuring the public that no casualties were recorded in the incident.
In a statement signed by the Director of Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, it was revealed that the explosion occurred on a farmland near the Mammy market within the cantonment.
The statement reads: “This is to notify the general public that today, Monday, April 1, 2024, a minor explosion occurred within the Nigerian Army (NA) Cantonment in Ikeja, Lagos. The incident occurred on a farmland near the Mammy Market within the Cantonment.”
According to the statement, the explosion is suspected to have been triggered by the burning of refuse and other inflammable debris by a farmer who cultivated the farmland.
Fortunately, no casualties were recorded in the incident. However, recognizing the historical antecedent of explosions within the Cantonment, the Nigerian Army assured the public that the situation is under control.
The NA Engineers Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team has cordoned off the area of the farmland to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion. Residents in the general area were urged not to panic, and assurances of their safety were provided.