The Kebbi State Government and the state Police Command have jointly dispelled speculation surrounding the early morning explosion at the General Hospital in Bagudo Local Government Area, insisting the incident was neither a bomb blast nor a helicopter attack.
Authorities explained that preliminary and expert findings confirmed the explosion was caused by a fire outbreak involving gas cylinders at the hospital’s staff quarters.
Speaking to journalists in Birnin Kebbi, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, said security agencies promptly investigated the incident and established that an inferno preceded the explosion. He noted that the affected building had been evacuated before the blast, averting casualties.
Bala-Tafida stressed that no life was lost, describing the situation as unfortunate but well managed. He commended the swift intervention of the police and other security operatives, adding that calm had been fully restored to the area.
“The government is working closely with security agencies, and the situation is under control. Our priority remains the protection of lives and property across the state,” he said.
Corroborating the government’s position, the Kebbi State Police Command said technical assessments ruled out any form of explosive device or aerial assault. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, the explosion resulted from gas cylinders that overheated during a fire outbreak.
Usman disclosed that the assessment was conducted by Explosive Ordnance Disposal–Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) experts, in collaboration with the Commissioner of Police Tactical Team.
“The findings clearly show that the explosion was caused by an inferno affecting gas cylinders used for air-conditioning units and refrigerators. There was no involvement of explosives or helicopters, and no injuries or fatalities were recorded,” he said.
The police spokesperson urged members of the public and the media to disregard unverified reports, warning that misinformation could fuel unnecessary fear and undermine public confidence.
As investigations conclude, the state government reiterated its commitment to safety standards in public facilities, signalling a resolve to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
