Today, January 27 marks the 18th year of the accidental detonation of bombs from the armoury of the Ikeja Cantonment in Lagos which claimed thousands of lives.

It was a black Sunday in the city of Lagos on that day as the armoury which was said to contain “high calibre bombs” went up in flames around 6 pm on Sunday, 27th January 2002, resulting in a series of explosions in and around the cantonment.

The explosions affected areas up to 50 km. away from the scene of the incident, mostly affected were residents of Ikeja and Oshodi, the closest to the cantonment.

Following fears from the sporadic explosions which was already raining down artillery shells over thousands of homes, panicking residents of the cantonment and Oshodi areas started scampering for safety. Thousands of people headed for Ajao Estate along the Muritala Mohammed International airport road end of Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area.

When the fleeing residents got to Ajao Estate, still in fears, they started crossing the stretch of canal trying to cross to Oke-Afa in Isolo, in the process, many sank while a few others survived with injuries.

About 700 people reportedly died in the canal, but sadly the bulk of the thousands of victims reportedly killed by the explosions did not die close to the cantonment.

Most of the victims died in the canal which is several kilometers away from the cantonment. Many children were separated from their parents

The explosions which continued throughout the night and into the following afternoon caused damage to a number of buildings in and around the cantonment, resulting in displaced persons and loss of property.

The victims were buried at Oke-Afa by the Lagos State Government.

18 years after, some Nigerians on social media are paying tributes to the victims of the explosion.

Lawmaker representing Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal constituency at the House of Representatives, Akin Alabi tweeted:

 

To all those that lost their lives 18 years ago as a result of the Ikeja bomb explosion, continue to Rest In Peace. ?? ❤️ ?

— Oloye Akin Alabi (@akinalabi) January 27, 2020

See other reactions:

This is 18 years since the January 27, 2002, Ikeja Cantonment Bomb Blasts.

There was confusion in Lagos that day.

Incompetence, leading to tragedy – is a constant theme in contemporary Nigeria.

May Nigeria’s incompetence not kill you today or tomorrow.

— Onye Nkuzi (@cchukudebelu) January 27, 2020

 

It’s been 18years since the horrific bomb blasts at the Ikeja cantonment, that sent hundreds to their deaths, around the barracks as well as the Oke Afa canal..

May the souls of the departed continue to rest in peace..

— Cinderella Man (@Osi_Suave) January 27, 2020

Today 27th of January, we remember all the victims of the 2002 Ikeja Bomb Blast.

18 years on, we cant forget one of the darkest days in the history of this country and we are sending love to all the families of those affect by the disaster.

May their Souls Rest In Peace. ?? pic.twitter.com/XrbxS5h6wk

— Jack Robinson (@FeralJack_) January 27, 2020

Today makes it 18 years that the ikeja bomb explosion took place in Lagos.

It was a black Sunday.
I still remember it with palpable fear.

To every family who was hit by the calamity- and are still recovering from it- May God continue to comfort you and bless you.

— #OurFavOnlineDoc ? (@DrOlufunmilayo) January 27, 2020

18 years since the bomb blasts at the Ikeja cantonment. Hundreds of people needlessly lost their lives at Oke Afa & Ajao estate. May they continue to rest in peace.

— Emdin™ (@SegunEmdin) January 27, 2020

Many people thought the ikeja bomb blast was a coup attempt, Obasanjo was in Lagos earlier that day..

— Y.O. (@yojora) January 27, 2020

Today marks 18 years since the Ikeja Cantonment Bomb blast in 2002. I’m extending my love to everyone who holds memories of that tragic day. So far, you’ve held it all together in the ways you could. I hope you never lose your source of strength & peace ❤

— Mauve (@SharonMauve) January 27, 2020

I remember this day because I was little then and I was scared plus we were living very close to Ikeja at that time. It’s been 18 long years Mehn ?? that bomb blast at Ikeja still gives me chills.

Keep Resting ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Q8c0frLyhw

— BOLAJI BILLIONS (@Pinkbee_) January 27, 2020

Two years ago , I wrote about Ikeja Cantonment bomb blast. It was a horrible experience which I really want to forget.

So it’s 18 years already.

RIP to the victims. https://t.co/0V3tssYIGO

— Adebola Taofeek (@iam_ademuyiwa) January 27, 2020

18 years ago today, scores of people lost their lives in the immediate aftermath of the Bomb blast at Ikeja cantonment. May their souls rest on and may such tragedy be seen never again ?

— Jàre Adéwuyì (@9jare) January 27, 2020