Residents of Bagudo in Kebbi State were gripped with fear on Tuesday morning following an explosion at the General Hospital in the area.
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the incident but stated that no life was lost as a result of the blast.
The explosion, which reportedly occurred in the early hours of the day, triggered a rapid security mobilisation to the scene. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, security operatives quickly secured the area to prevent any further threat.
In a statement, Usman assured the public that the situation had been brought under control, noting that security agencies responded promptly after the incident.
He explained that a joint team comprising police personnel, soldiers and vigilante operatives cordoned off the hospital premises, while specialists from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal–Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear unit were deployed to assess the site.
Usman disclosed that although one of the buildings within the hospital’s staff quarters was damaged, all occupants had vacated the premises before the explosion, resulting in no casualties.
He further stated that the Commissioner of Police had directed the deployment of additional tactical units to the area to maintain stability and reassure residents.
According to him, investigations have commenced to determine the cause of the explosion, and the command will provide further updates as inquiries progress.
He also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and to steer clear of the hospital environment so that security operatives can conduct their investigation without obstruction.
