Refuse Burning Triggers Explosion on Farmland in Ikeja Cantonment

Chiemelie Ezeobi

A farmer yesterday, triggered a minor explosion near the Mammy Market within Ikeja Cantonment of the Nigerian Army (NA) in Lagos, when he set some refuse on fire on his cultivated farmland.

Although no life was lost, the Nigerian Army Engineers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) were said to have cordoned off the area of the farmland to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion.

THISDAY gathered that the damage was limited and contained to the particular spot because the cantonment was recently cleared and certified free of unexploded ordnances.

Reacting to the explosion, Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, urged residents not to panic as the situation was already contained.

In a press release made available to THISDAY late last night, the Spokesperson said: “This is to notify the general public that today Monday 1 April 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.

“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.”