NIGERIA: Kebbi Police Debunk Bomb Rumors, Attribute Bagudo Hospital Blast To Overheated Gas Cylinders

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

The Kebbi State Police Command has dismissed circulating reports of a bomb explosion or helicopter involvement at General Hospital Bagudo, clarifying that the incident on Monday was caused by an inferno from overheated air-conditioning and refrigerator gas cylinders, with no casualties recorded.

In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer SP Bashir Usman Anisma detailed findings from joint investigations involving Explosive Ordnance Disposal-Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear experts alongside the Commissioner’s Tactical Team. The probe established the blast originated from gas leakage and overheating in hospital equipment, ruling out any terrorist or aerial attack.

“‎Assessments conducted by EOD-CBRN experts, alongside the Commissioner of Police Tactical Team, confirmed that no explosives or aerial activity were involved. No loss of life or injuries occurred, as verified by the on-site expert teams,” the statement said.

Anisma urged the public and media to disregard unverified social media claims suggesting a bomb detonation or helicopter strike, emphasising reliance on official channels for accurate information. He reassured residents that comprehensive measures have been implemented to avert future incidents, with the situation now fully stabilised.

The clarification addresses widespread panic sparked by initial rumors in the remote Bagudo area, highlighting the risks of misinformation in security-sensitive regions. Authorities commended the rapid response that contained the fire and prevented harm, while calling for continued vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious activities to security agencies.