Kebbi Government And Police Refute Bomb, Helicopter Allegations In Hospital Blast

According to Ireporter Online, the Kebbi State Government and the State Police Command have dismissed claims that a bomb or helicopter attack caused the recent explosion at Bagudo General Hospital in Bagudo Local Government Area.

In statements released on Tuesday, both authorities clarified that the blast was caused by a fire linked to gas cylinders, not any explosive device.

The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, stated in Birnin Kebbi that preliminary investigations indicated the incident originated in the hospital staff quarters due to a gas-related fire. He emphasized that no lives were lost, as residents had evacuated the building before the explosion.

“The explosion was not caused by any bomb or aerial assault. It was a fire incident involving gas cylinders,” Bala-Tafida said, commending the swift response of security agencies in securing the area and ensuring public safety.

The Kebbi State Police Command, through Public Relations Officer SP Bashir Usman, confirmed that the fire involved overheated air-conditioning and refrigerator gas cylinders. A tactical team, including Explosive Ordnance Disposal-CBRN experts and the Commissioner of Police Tactical Team, conducted an on-site assessment, which ruled out explosives or helicopter involvement.

Usman urged the public and media outlets to avoid spreading unverified reports that could cause panic, stressing that no injuries or fatalities occurred. “We urge the public to remain calm and disregard misinformation suggesting a bomb blast or helicopter strike,” he added.