At least five people have been confirmed dead and 15 others injured following a suspected explosion involving a military-grade mortar bomb at the Eastern Bypass area of Kano.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, drew a swift response from emergency services and security personnel.
The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, who arrived at the scene shortly after the explosion, said the blast may have originated from a military ordnance believed to have been improperly handled or transported.
“I received a call that something serious had happened. When I arrived, I found that it was a suspected explosion—possibly a military mortar bomb. Fifteen people were injured, and unfortunately, five died,” he said.
CP Bakori added that the victims were immediately evacuated, with the injured taken to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) for treatment.
“The situation is still under investigation, but we understand the vehicle involved may have come from Yobe State,” he said.
“Preliminary findings suggest the explosive material was being transported by a trailer coming from Yobe but it remains unclear whether the vehicle was carrying military personnel or civilians,” he added.
The police commissioner noted that authorities were yet to confirm the exact cause of the explosion or the ownership of the explosives.
“Security agencies are currently investigating the incident. The facts will be clearer once the investigation is completed,” he stated while urging the public to remain calm.
As investigations continue, the area has been cordoned off to ensure public safety, with security operatives maintaining a presence at the site of the explosion.
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