Kebbi govt, Police reveal real cause of explosion at General Hospital

By Ibrahim Bello

The Kebbi Government and the State Police Command have clarified that the explosion at Bagudo General Hospital in Bagudo Local Government Area of the state was caused by a fire outbreak involving gas cylinders.

The Police and Kebbi State Government said this while dismissing rumours that the early morning explosion at Bagudo General Hospital was as result of bomb or helicopter attack

The Police had earlier said there was no casualty from the incident.

But while countering rumours on the cause of the explosion, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, explained that preliminary findings from security agencies indicated that the explosion occurred at the hospital staff quarters as a result of a fire incident, not an explosive device.

Bala-Tafida who spoke to journalists in Birnin Kebbi explained that the state government was working closely with the police and other security agencies, who had since taken full control of the situation.

The SSG also emphasised that no life was lost in the incident.

He noted that that although a building was affected, occupants had already evacuated safely before the explosion.

“We commend the swift response of the Police Command and other security operatives for promptly securing the area and ensuring public safety.

“We reaffirm our commitment to the protection of lives and property across the state,” Bala-Tafida said.

Speaking in the same vein, the Kebbi Police Command, said investigations and expert assessments had confirmed that the explosion was caused by an inferno that overheated air-conditioning and refrigerator gas cylinders.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said the command conducted an assessment by Explosive Ordnance Disposal-Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) experts, alongside the Commissioner of Police Tactical Team.

“The assessment confirmed that no explosives or aerial activity were involved.

“No injuries or loss of life were recorded, as verified by on-site expert teams,” Usman said.

He therefore urged the public and the media to remain calm and disregard unverified reports suggesting a bomb blast or helicopter involvement, as such reports could cause unnecessary panic

(NAN)