The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of nine unexploded ordnances (UXOs) from the scene of Saturday’s tragic explosion at Yongxing Steel Company in Mariri Quarters, along Ring Road in Kano.
The blast, which occurred around 11:30 a.m. on June 21, claimed five lives and left several others injured.
Contrary to earlier fears that the explosion was caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), police investigations have confirmed it was triggered by a UXO that accidentally detonated while scrap materials were being offloaded at the company.
In a statement issued on Monday, Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Hussaini Abdullahi, said findings from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit revealed that the UXOs were unknowingly transported from Yobe State along with a shipment of metal scrap.
“Post-blast investigation reveals the explosion came from an Unexploded Ordnance (UXO), not from an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) as was initially speculated,” the statement noted.
“A total of nine UXOs have now been recovered from the scene.”
Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, extended his condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery. The injured are currently receiving treatment at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
The police have assured the public that there is no ongoing security threat, urging residents to stay calm and report any suspicious items or activities to the authorities promptly.
