The Kano State Police Command has recovered nine unexploded ordnance (UXOs) at the site of the recent explosion at Yongxing Steel Company, located along Ring Road in the Mariri area of Kano.
READ ALS0: Bomb blast kills 5, injures 10 in Kano
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Hussaini Abdullahi, explained that the blast was not caused by an improvised explosive device, as earlier speculated, but resulted from the accidental detonation of a UXO. An initial search uncovered seven unexploded devices, while a follow-up operation led to the discovery of two more.
Investigations revealed that the UXOs were unintentionally transported to the steel company along with scrap metal brought in from Yobe State. One of the explosives detonated during offloading, triggering the deadly blast.
The explosion, which occurred on Saturday, claimed five lives and left 10 others injured. The incident sparked panic among residents, as emergency responders and security personnel quickly moved in to assist victims and secure the area. Preliminary police findings suggest the explosives may have been on a truck allegedly en route to Yobe, although ownership of the vehicle remains unclear.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, assured residents that there is no ongoing threat to public safety. He also extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, condemned the incident and described it as a tragic loss of lives. Authorities have since cordoned off the scene, and investigations are ongoing.
