Chaos erupted in the early hours as a powerful explosion rocked a general hospital in Kebbi, triggering panic among patients and medical staff who fled for safety.
The explosion shattered the calm at the facility, sending patients and staff scrambling for safety and disrupting hospital activities.
Confirming the incident, the Kebbi State Police Command said the explosion occurred on Tuesday morning at the General Hospital in Bagudo, Kebbi State, but assured the public that no casualties were recorded.
“The Kebbi State Police Command wishes to assure members of the public that the security situation is under control following the explosion at the General Hospital, Bagudo,” the Police Public Relations Officer, Bashir Usman, said in a statement.
He explained that a joint security team comprising police, military and vigilante personnel immediately cordoned off the area, while Explosive Ordnance Disposal–Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) experts were deployed to assess the scene.
“We are relieved to confirm that no lives were lost. Although a building within the staff quarters was damaged, its occupants had already evacuated to safety,” Usman added.
The Commissioner of Police has since ordered additional tactical deployments to maintain order and reassure residents.
“A comprehensive investigation has commenced to determine the cause of the explosion, and further updates will be provided as necessary,” the spokesperson stated.
He urged members of the public to remain calm and to stay away from the immediate vicinity of the hospital to enable security operatives and investigators to carry out their duties effectively.
