A tragic turn has followed Friday’s explosion at a CCTV equipment store on Kodesho Street in Ikeja, Lagos, as one of the five injured victims has now been confirmed dead.
The explosion, which erupted shortly after 6:30 p.m. along the busy corridor that links up Computer Village, one of West Africa’s largest tech markets, sent shockwaves through the commercial community, with traders and commuters scrambling for safety as smoke and panic filled the air.
Now, barely 48 hours later, one of the victims has died from critical injuries sustained in the blast. A fellow shop owner who requested anonymity due to the ongoing investigation disclosed on Sunday that medical personnel at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) battled to keep the victim alive but were unsuccessful.
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“We lost one of them on Saturday evening,” the source said solemnly. “Doctors tried their best, but he didn’t make it. Others are still in critical condition. Everyone here is shaken.”
The Lagos State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the fatality and assured that efforts to determine the exact cause of the explosion remain underway.
“Yes, we have been informed that one of them died on Saturday. The investigation is still ongoing, and we will make our findings public when concluded.” Hundeyin said.
Following the blast, police operatives immediately sealed off the scene to prevent further harm. Officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, alongside the Mobile Police Detachment and other tactical teams, carried out a sweep of the area to ensure safety and gather evidence.
The Commissioner of Police in Lagos, CP Olohundare Jimoh, also visited the site for a firsthand assessment, reemphasising the command’s commitment to transparency and public safety.
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Eyewitnesses in the area describe Friday evening as one of chaos and confusion.
“People were running, screaming. We didn’t even know what had happened. It was only later we heard it came from one of the CCTV shops,” said a technician who witnessed the aftermath.
While initial suspicions lean toward a possible electrical fault or chemical reaction involving sensitive surveillance materials, authorities have not released any official conclusions.
Friday’s explosion not only disrupted business but also reignited concerns over public safety standards in Nigeria’s largest technology hub, a zone that hosts thousands daily, with minimal emergency infrastructure in place.
