The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed the tragic death of a 12-year-old boy, Abubakar Muhammed, following an accidental discharge of a locally made firearm, commonly known as a “dane gun.” Seven other individuals sustained injuries in the incident, which occurred on Josawa Road, Abakpa, Kaduna, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
The police received a distress call at approximately 8:30 am, reporting a suspected explosion in the area. Initial rumors circulating among the public suggested that an explosion had occurred, but upon investigation, authorities quickly dispelled those claims.
In a statement issued by the police, the spokesperson for the Kaduna Police Command, ASP Mansir Hassan, clarified that the incident did not involve any form of explosion. Instead, it was the result of an accidental discharge from a locally made firearm.
“A team of policemen led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Kawo Division was promptly dispatched to the scene,” Hassan stated. “The unfortunate incident claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy, identified as Abubakar Muhammed of Josawa Road. Additionally, seven other individuals were injured and are currently receiving medical treatment.”
Following the incident, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, the Garrison Commander of the 1 Division Nigerian Army, the State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Chairman of Kaduna North Local Government all visited the scene to assess the situation.
A thorough investigation was carried out by the police, and experts from the Police Anti-Bomb Squad concluded that the cause of the death was an accidental discharge from a locally made gun. Further investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances that led to the incident.
“The police command assures the public that any new developments will be shared transparently and promptly,” said ASP Hassan. “We also extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.”
The use of locally made firearms, particularly the “dane gun,” is common in several parts of Nigeria and other West African nations. The gun is often improvised or hand-crafted, making it unreliable and prone to accidents. These guns are usually single-shot shotguns and are commonly used for hunting, but their use also raises serious safety concerns due to the lack of regulation in their production and distribution.
In recent years, dane guns have been linked to various criminal activities such as armed robbery and banditry, particularly in rural areas. While they may be used for traditional purposes like hunting, their lack of formal regulation makes it difficult for authorities to monitor their proliferation, which increases the risk of accidents like the one that claimed the life of Abubakar Muhammed.
The tragic incident in Kaduna highlights the dangers associated with the use of such weapons and the importance of stricter regulation of locally made firearms. Security experts have often called for greater control over these firearms, urging the government to take action to prevent further accidents and crimes related to them.
The police are continuing their investigation to understand the specific circumstances leading to the accident. According to initial findings, the dane gun discharged accidentally while in the possession of an individual. The details of how the gun went off are still being examined, but preliminary investigations suggest that the discharge was not intentional. The authorities have not yet disclosed the identity of the individual who owned or was in control of the firearm at the time of the incident.
Local authorities, along with law enforcement agencies, are working together to determine if the gun was being used legally or if it was part of the broader issue of illegal arms proliferation in the region.
This incident has sparked renewed concerns about the safety of locally made firearms and the need for public awareness campaigns to educate people on the dangers associated with them. In rural and semi-urban areas of Nigeria, the use of dane guns is not uncommon, and many families rely on them for hunting and protection. However, the lack of proper safety measures and the unpredictable nature of these firearms put both users and bystanders at significant risk.
In recent years, there has been a growing call for the regulation of these weapons to prevent their misuse and ensure the safety of local communities. Many argue that stronger laws governing the manufacture, sale, and possession of dane guns could help reduce incidents like the one in Kaduna and minimize the risk of accidents in the future.
This tragic event has also raised questions about the role of law enforcement agencies in monitoring the proliferation of locally made firearms. Despite the increasing number of accidents and criminal activities linked to these weapons, enforcement of laws regulating their use remains lax. The police have called for greater cooperation from local communities to ensure that these firearms are kept out of the hands of individuals who may misuse them.
The death of young Abubakar Muhammed has left his family and the local community in mourning. His passing is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by improperly regulated weapons in Nigeria. The community has expressed deep sadness over the loss of the young boy, who was just beginning his life and had a promising future ahead.
As investigations continue, the family and the broader Kaduna community are hoping for answers, not only to bring closure to this tragic incident but also to prevent future occurrences. The death of Abubakar highlights the need for comprehensive safety regulations and greater awareness to ensure that such accidents do not happen again.
