The Kebbi State Police Command has dismissed reports claiming that a bomb or aerial attack caused the explosion that rocked the General Hospital in Bagudo Local Government Area of the state. The police clarified that the incident, which occurred early on Tuesday, was caused by overheating of equipment and not by any form of explosive device.
The explosion caused fear and panic among hospital staff, patients, and residents of the area, as loud sounds were heard within the hospital premises. Some reports on social media suggested that a bomb had gone off or that a helicopter had dropped an explosive, but the police have described such claims as false and misleading.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Bashir Usman, the command explained that the blast resulted from an inferno that affected air-conditioning units and refrigerators in the hospital.
According to SP Usman, the heat from the fire caused the gas cylinders in the air conditioners and refrigerators to overheat, leading to loud explosions that were mistaken for a bomb blast.
“The explosion at the General Hospital, Bagudo, was caused by an inferno which overheated air-conditioning and refrigerator gas cylinders, resulting in the loud explosions observed,” he said.
He added that thorough investigations and expert assessments were carried out immediately after the incident to determine the real cause. The findings, he said, confirmed that no bomb, explosive, or aerial activity was involved.
“Investigations and expert assessments have confirmed that the incident was caused by an inferno. No explosives or aerial activity were involved,” SP Usman stated.
To further clear doubts, the police said specialists from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear unit, also known as EOD-CBRN, were deployed to the scene. They worked alongside members of the Commissioner of Police Tactical Team to examine the area.
According to the police spokesperson, the experts found no traces of explosives or materials linked to any form of attack.
“Checks carried out by EOD-CBRN experts, alongside the Commissioner of Police Tactical Team, confirmed that explosives were not involved,” he said.
The police also confirmed that no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded during the incident. This, according to SP Usman, was verified by the on-site expert teams and hospital authorities.
“No loss of life or injuries occurred, as verified by the on-site expert teams,” he added.
The police command urged members of the public to remain calm and to ignore unverified reports suggesting that the explosion was caused by a bomb or helicopter. The command warned that spreading false information could cause unnecessary fear and tension.
“We advise everyone to rely solely on official information. The situation remains fully under control, and the Command remains committed to public safety and transparency,” SP Usman said.
The incident comes at a time when Nigerians are sensitive to security issues due to ongoing security challenges in different parts of the country. In recent years, attacks on public places have heightened public fear, making people quick to suspect terrorism whenever explosions occur.
In many public buildings across Nigeria, including hospitals, poor maintenance of electrical appliances and cooling systems has been identified as a major safety concern. Overloaded power systems and faulty equipment can easily overheat, especially in areas with unstable electricity supply.
The Bagudo General Hospital serves as a key healthcare facility for residents of the local government area and surrounding communities. Following the explosion, hospital activities were briefly disrupted as staff and patients moved to safer areas.
Sources at the hospital said the situation was quickly brought under control, and normal activities resumed after security agencies completed their checks.
Residents of Bagudo described the moment of the explosion as frightening. Some said they initially thought it was a bomb attack due to the loud sound. Others said the quick response of security agencies helped calm the situation.
The Kebbi State Government has not reported any major damage to hospital buildings, but assessments are ongoing to ensure that affected equipment is repaired or replaced.
The police used the opportunity to remind owners and managers of public facilities to pay attention to safety measures. Proper maintenance of electrical appliances, air conditioners, and refrigeration systems, they said, can help prevent similar incidents in the future.
The command also encouraged the public to report emergencies and suspicious situations to security agencies rather than spreading unconfirmed stories on social media.
As investigations conclude, the Kebbi State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state. The command assured residents that it would continue to work closely with other agencies to maintain peace and ensure public safety.