The Kano State Police Command has confirmed that the explosion that rocked Yongxing Steel Company in Mariri Quarters on Saturday, June 21, was caused by an unexploded ordnance (UXO), and not an improvised explosive device (IED) as initially speculated.
In a statement released on Sunday, June 22, the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Hussaini Abdullahi, stated that a post-blast investigation by the command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit traced the origin of the explosive to scrap metal unknowingly transported from Yobe State.
“The UXO was mistakenly moved along with scrap materials and detonated during offloading at the steel factory,” DSP Abdullahi explained.
According to the findings, a total of nine unexploded ordnances were recovered at the site — seven immediately after the incident and two more discovered later during further searches.
The tragic explosion claimed the lives of five workers and left several others injured. The injured victims are currently receiving medical attention at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He also called for calm, reassuring residents that the incident posed no ongoing security threat.
“The public is advised to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear,” the statement read. “We urge everyone to report any suspicious objects or movements to the nearest security agency for prompt action.”
The police command has reiterated its commitment to public safety and pledged to enhance surveillance around industrial areas handling scrap materials, especially those transported from former conflict zones.
