The Nigerian Army has cleared the air regarding the circumstances surrounding this morning’s bomb explosion in Plateau State.

Initial reports had claimed that the blast took place at the Nigerian Army’s 3rd Armoured Division barracks at Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, but Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, said this is not true. He also explained that the blast resulted from an accident (not a terrorist activity) and claimed the lives of two soldiers.

Colonel Usman said in a statement, a copy of which was made available to News Express: “This is to inform the public that the explosion heard in Jos, Plateau State, this morning was from an accident that occurred while troops authorised to destroy unserviceable ammunition were transporting the bad ammunition. Some of the unserviceable ammunition exploded in the process of moving them to demolition site in the bush. It did not affect the barracks or neighbouring communities. Unfortunately, 2 soldiers lost their lives and one sustained injuries. Normalcy has returned to the area.”

•Photo shows Ag. Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman.