April 2, (THEWILL)- The Nigerian Army has urged residents within and around Ikeja Army Cantonment not to panic over a “minor explosion” that rocked the Cantonment on Monday.
THEWILL reports that an explosion triggered by “Inflammable debris” had caused panic and fear among the residents on Monday.
This is coming nearly 22 years after several bombs exploded at the cantonment in January 2002, with hundreds of people fleeing the scene of the explosion drowned in murky water at Ejigbo, Lagos.
However, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director, Army Public Relations, who confirmed Monday’s incident, said the minor explosion occurred on a farmland near the Mammy Market within the Cantonment.
Nwachukwu stated that 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 casualty was recorded in the incident. However, given that the Cantonment was recently cleared and certified free of unexploded ordnances, we understand that there could be concerns among the general public as a result of the historical antecedent of explosion within the Cantonment.
“The NA, therefore, wishes to assure the public that the situation is under control as 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.
“We urge residents in the general area not to panic and assure them of their safety,” he said.
About the Author
