The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of nine unexploded ordnances (UXOs) at the scene of Saturday’s deadly explosion at Yongxing Steel Company, located in Mariri Quarters along Ring Road in Kano.
Grassroots Parrot reports that the blast, which occurred around 11:30 a.m. on June 21, claimed the lives of five persons and left several others critically injured.
Initial fears had suggested the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED), sparking widespread concern.
However, in a statement issued on Monday, the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Hussaini Abdullahi, clarified that investigations by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal–Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit revealed that the blast was triggered by a UXO that detonated accidentally during the offloading of scrap materials.
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“Post-blast investigation reveals the explosion came from an unexploded ordnance (UXO), not from an improvised explosive device (IED) as was initially speculated,” the police said. “A total of nine UXOs have now been recovered from the scene.”
According to the statement, the dangerous military-grade materials were unknowingly transported from Yobe State along with a consignment of scrap metal.
The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to those currently receiving treatment at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
The police urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that there is no imminent security threat. Authorities also advised members of the public to promptly report any suspicious items or activities to law enforcement agencies.