Kebbi Govt, Police Dismiss Bomb, Helicopter Claims In Hospital Explosion

The Kebbi State Government and the State Police Command have dismissed reports claiming that a bomb explosion or helicopter attack caused the recent blast at Bagudo General Hospital in Bagudo Local Government Area.

In separate statements issued on Tuesday, both authorities attributed the explosion to a fire outbreak involving gas cylinders, not an explosive device.

Speaking in Birnin Kebbi, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, said preliminary investigations by security agencies revealed that the explosion occurred in the hospital staff quarters due to a gas-induced fire.

“The explosion was not caused by any bomb or aerial assault. It was a fire incident involving gas cylinders,” Bala-Tafida said.

He noted that no lives were lost, and residents had evacuated the affected building before the explosion occurred.

“We commend the swift response of the Police Command and other security operatives for promptly securing the area and ensuring public safety. The government remains committed to the protection of lives and property,” he added.

The Kebbi State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, also confirmed that the explosion was a result of an inferno that overheated air-conditioning and refrigerator gas cylinders.

A tactical team comprising Explosive Ordnance Disposal-Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) experts and the Commissioner of Police Tactical Team conducted an on-site assessment, which ruled out any explosive or aerial involvement.

“The assessment confirmed that no explosives or helicopter activity was involved. No injuries or fatalities were recorded,” Usman said.

He urged the public and media outlets to refrain from spreading unverified reports that could cause panic.

“We urge the public to remain calm and disregard misinformation suggesting a bomb blast or helicopter strike,” he added.