Explosion at Bagudo General Hospital caused by gas fire — Kebbi govt, police

Kebbi State Government and the state Police Command have dismissed reports suggesting that the explosion at the General Hospital in Bagudo Local Government Area was caused by a bomb or helicopter attack.

They clarified that the incident, which occurred early Tuesday morning, was the result of a fire outbreak involving gas cylinders.
The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, said preliminary findings by security agencies showed that the explosion occurred at the hospital’s staff quarters following a fire incident.

Speaking to journalists in Birnin Kebbi, Bala-Tafida said the state government was working closely with the police and other security agencies, who had since brought the situation under control.
He stressed that no life was lost in the incident, adding that although a building was affected, occupants had evacuated the premises before the explosion occurred.

“We commend the swift response of the Police Command and other security operatives for promptly securing the area and ensuring public safety,” the SSG said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the protection of lives and property in the state.
In a similar statement, the Kebbi State Police Command said investigations and expert assessments confirmed that the explosion was caused by an inferno that overheated gas cylinders used in air-conditioning units and refrigerators.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said the assessment was carried out by Explosive Ordnance Disposal–Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) experts alongside the Commissioner of Police Tactical Team.

“The assessment confirmed that no explosives or aerial activity were involved. No injuries or loss of life were recorded,” Usman said.
He urged the public and the media to disregard unverified reports of a bomb blast or helicopter involvement, warning that such claims could cause unnecessary panic.