By IBRAHIM BELLO

The Kebbi Government and the State Police Command have debunked rumours going round that the explosion at Bagudo General Hospital suggested a bomb or helicopter involvement.

The duo clarified that the explosion was caused by a fire outbreak involving gas cylinders.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that an early morning explosion hit Bagudo General Hospital in Bagudo Local Government Area of the state.

However, there was no casualty following the incident as confirmed by the police.

Clarifying the matter on Tuesday in Birnin kebbi, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, explained that preliminary findings from security agencies indicated that the explosion occurred at the hospital staff quarters as a result of a fire incident, not an explosive device.

Bala-Tafida said the state government was working closely with the police and other security agencies, who had since taken full control of the situation.

The SSG added that no life was lost in the incident, noting that although a building was affected, occupants had already evacuated safely before the explosion.

“We commend the swift response of the Police Command and other security operatives for promptly securing the area and ensuring public safety.

“We reaffirm our commitment to the protection of lives and property across the state,” Bala-Tafida said.

Corroborating the government’s position, the Police Command, said investigations and expert assessments had confirmed that the explosion was caused by an inferno that overheated air-conditioning and refrigerator gas cylinders.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said the command conducted an assessment by Explosive Ordnance Disposal-Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) experts, alongside the Commissioner of Police Tactical Team.

“The assessment confirmed that no explosives or aerial activity were involved.

“No injuries or loss of life were recorded, as verified by on-site expert teams.

“We urge the public and the media to remain calm and disregard unverified reports suggesting a bomb blast or helicopter involvement, as such reports could cause unnecessary panic,” Usman said. (NAN)