Tragedy struck in Kano on Sunday, June 30, as a hand grenade exploded at a scrapyard in the Kofar Dawanau area of Dala Local Government Area, killing one person and injuring six others.
The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. when metal scrap dealers were offloading materials from a truck with plate number PKM 709 ZY. According to police sources, a preliminary investigation by the Bomb Disposal Unit (BOMPOL) confirmed that the explosion was caused by an unexploded ordnance (UXO), specifically a hand grenade.
The victim, 55-year-old Hamisu Uzairu, a labourer from PRP Kwanar Jaba in Nasarawa LGA, was rushed to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival.
Six other individuals sustained varying degrees of injuries and were also admitted to the same hospital. The injured include Sani Ahmed, Najib Sani, Jabir Tijani, Wada Abdullahi, Huzaifa Yusha’u, and Bilyaminu Snu.
The scrapyard owner, Jamilu Zakari Salisu, reported the explosion to the Dala Divisional Police Headquarters. In response, the police cordoned off the area and restricted access to ensure public safety.
Authorities have launched a full investigation to trace the origin of the explosive. Meanwhile, the police have urged scrap dealers and the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious metal objects to security agencies immediately.
This incident highlights the hidden dangers within the scrap metal trade, especially in areas previously affected by conflict or military activity where leftover explosives can surface.
