The Kano State Police Command has confirmed that the explosion that occurred at Yongxing Steel Company in Mariri Quarters on Saturday, June 21, was caused by an unexploded ordnance (UXO), not an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) as initially speculated.
According to a statement issued on Sunday, June 22, by the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Hussaini Abdullahi, a post-blast investigation conducted by the command's Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit revealed that the explosive device was unknowingly transported alongside scrap metal from Yobe State and detonated during offloading at the factory.
"So far, a total of nine UXOs have been recovered from the site, seven immediately after the incident and two more discovered later," the statement said.
Casualties and Response
The explosion claimed the lives of five individuals and injured several others, who are currently receiving treatment at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, expressed condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a swift recovery. He also urged the public to remain calm, assuring residents that there is no security threat linked to the incident.
The police have advised members of the public to go about their lawful activities without fear and report any suspicious items or movements to the nearest security agencies.
This incident highlights the dangers posed by unexploded military ordnance that can find their way into civilian areas, particularly through scrap metal collection and recycling operations.
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