Authorities in Kano State have retrieved a total of nine unexploded ordnances from the site of a recent blast that occurred at Yongxing Steel Company, located along Ring Road in the Mariri area.
The Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Police Command, DSP Hussaini Abdullahi, confirmed the development in an official statement released on Sunday.
He explained that the explosion, which resulted in the death of five individuals, was triggered by an unexploded ordnance mistakenly included in a shipment of scrap metal transported from Yobe State.
“Following a detailed investigation, it was established that the blast was not caused by an improvised explosive device, as initially feared,” the statement clarified.
“Instead, it was a UXO that detonated during the offloading process at the steel facility.”
Seven UXOs were initially recovered, and two more were later discovered, bringing the total to nine. Police said the additional devices were safely recovered and are no longer a threat to the public.
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The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, urged the public to remain calm and not succumb to panic.
“There is no immediate security threat in the area. However, we urge residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious objects or activities to the nearest security agency,” Bakori said.
He also expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished those injured a swift recovery. The injured victims are currently receiving treatment at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has condemned the incident, describing it as a “cowardly and tragic occurrence.” In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed his deep sorrow over the lives lost and extended sympathy to the affected families.
Security operatives have since cordoned off the area to prevent further danger, and investigations are ongoing to determine how the hazardous materials were transported undetected.
The police reiterated their commitment to ensuring public safety and called on scrap dealers and transporters to exercise caution and report any suspicious items during loading and offloading processes.
