Panic swept through a Kano community on Saturday morning following a deadly explosion believed to have been caused by a military-grade mortar bomb. At least five people have been confirmed dead, while 15 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The blast, which occurred in the early hours, triggered immediate response from security agencies and emergency medical teams. The scene was cordoned off as ambulances evacuated the injured to nearby hospitals.
Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, who visited the scene shortly after the incident, said preliminary findings point to a suspected military ordnance that may have been improperly handled or transported.
“I received a distress call and upon arrival, discovered it was a suspected explosion—possibly from a military mortar bomb. Fifteen people were injured and, tragically, five lives were lost,” Bakori confirmed.
According to the police, the explosive device may have been in transit aboard a trailer allegedly originating from Yobe State. It is unclear whether the vehicle was operated by military personnel, civilian contractors, or private individuals.
“The situation remains under active investigation. We’re yet to determine the exact source and ownership of the explosive material,” the Commissioner stated, urging residents to stay calm and await verified updates.
This latest incident has sparked fresh concerns over the movement and storage of military-grade weapons within civilian areas, raising questions about safety protocols and regulatory oversight.
As investigations continue, security agencies have tightened surveillance across key routes into the state, while bomb disposal units have been deployed to inspect the area for any secondary threats.
