A devastating bomb explosion rocked a scrap yard along the Eastern Bypass in Kano on Saturday, killing five people and injuring 15 others in what authorities believe was the detonation of a military-grade explosive.
According to the Kano State Police Command, the blast occurred when a truck, reportedly arriving from neighboring Yobe State, was offloading materials at the scrap collection facility.
The explosion, which ripped through the premises, sent shockwaves across the area, leaving scenes of chaos and destruction.
Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, who visited the site shortly after the incident, confirmed that the explosive was of military origin.
“It was a military model bomb that went off,” CP Bakori told reporters at the scene. “Fifteen people were injured and rushed to the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. Unfortunately, five of them were later confirmed dead.”
Eyewitnesses described a loud, earth-shaking bang followed by thick smoke and frantic screams as workers and passersby fled the site.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly, cordoning off the area and launching an initial probe into the cause of the blast.
Preliminary findings indicate that the truck transporting the scrap materials—and unknowingly, the explosive device—originated from Yobe State.
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While authorities have yet to determine whether the incident was accidental or intentional, investigations are ongoing.
“We are treating this as a high-priority investigation,” CP Bakori stated. “Further details will be made public as we make progress.”
The incident has raised concerns about the movement of hazardous materials across state lines and the safety protocols at local scrap yards, which often process abandoned military equipment.
Local authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, as security agencies work to prevent similar tragedies.