The Kano State Police Command has clarified that the explosion which rocked the Yongxing Steel Company on Saturday, June 21, was caused by an Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) and not an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) as earlier speculated by members of the public.
In a statement issued by the Deputy Public Relations Officer, Hussaini Abdullahi, the command revealed that a post-blast investigation conducted by its Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) unit confirmed that the blast was accidental.
According to Abdullahi, the UXOs were unknowingly transported from Yobe State, mixed in with scrap metals delivered to the steel company. One of the devices reportedly exploded during the offloading process, triggering the tragic incident that claimed the lives of five individuals and left several others injured.
“Following the incident at Yongxing Steel Company along Ring Road, Mariri Quarters, at about 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, our investigation confirms the explosion was from an Unexploded Ordnance, not an IED,” Abdullahi said. “So far, a total of nine UXOs have been recovered from the scene.”
The command urged residents to remain calm and avoid panic, stressing that there is no immediate security threat related to the incident.
The Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured, who are currently receiving treatment at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
Residents are encouraged to go about their lawful activities and report any suspicious items or behavior to the police via emergency lines.
