An explosion at a gas refilling store in Abuja, on Thursday evening, caused pandemonium, as residents alleged a bomb blast.

The incident occurred at about 4:45pm in a shop located within Shagari Plaza, opposite the ever-busy Area 1 Shopping Centre, when the shop attendant was refilling a gas cylinder for a customer.

There was no casualty but men of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service arrived the scene quickly to put out the ensuing fire, thus preventing it from spreading to nearby buildings.

However, rumours of a bomb attack filtered to other parts of the city thus creating fear and concern.

Consequently, the FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed, issued a press statement to debunk the rumours and assure residents of their safety.

The minister enjoined all residents and visitors to Abuja to continue with their legitimate activities without fear, as what happened was a mere gas explosion.

“Members of the public are, therefore, advised to ignore the rumours of a bomb explosion in Abuja as baseless and false,” the statement added.

•Text courtesy Daily Independent. Photo shows site of an explosion.