There was a bomb scare yesterday at Mile Two area of Lagos, following an explosion from a tear gas grenade, which reportedly dropped from a police escort van. The hand-held tear gas grenade was said to have dropped off a fast moving van, without the knowledge of the policemen. Time was 9.30 a.m.
Another vehicle directly behind the police van was said to have run over the combustive substance, which immediately released an explosive sound that rocked the entire area.
Several persons were reportedly injured in the ensuing stampede caused by the explosion, as they ran in different directions for safety.
Motorists plying the route as well as commercial drivers abandoned their vehicles and fled. Traders and hawkers were not left out, as they also abandoned their wares.
When Vanguard visited the scene at about 11 a.m., officials of the Bomb Disposal Unit of the Lagos State Police Command were seen inspecting the scene.
Advising Lagosians to discountenance the false alarm, the command’s spokesman, Mr Frank Mba, said the situation was under control.
Said he: “Operatives from Festac Division and Area E Command made for the scene immediately the news reached us, only to discover it was an empty tear gas cannister. There was no loss of life, neither was anyone injured. Even the vehicle that ran over the hand-held tear gas was not damaged.”