An explosion on Tuesday morning rocked the General Hospital, Bagudo, in Kebbi State, triggering panic among residents of the area.
The Kebbi State Police Command, which confirmed the incident, however, said no casualty was recorded.
Bellnews learnt that the explosion occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, sending shockwaves through the community and causing residents to flee the vicinity of the hospital in fear.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Bashir Usman, said security agencies swiftly moved in to secure the area and prevent further threats.
“The Kebbi State Police Command wishes to assure members of the public that we have full control of the security situation following the explosion at the General Hospital, Bagudo,” Usman said in a statement.
Usman disclosed that a joint security team comprising the police, military and vigilante personnel was immediately deployed to the scene.
He added that the area was cordoned off, while Explosive Ordnance Disposal–Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear specialists were deployed to assess the site of the explosion.
“We are grateful to confirm that there were no casualties. Although a building within the staff quarters was damaged, the occupants had already evacuated safely,” the police spokesman said.
According to Usman, the Commissioner of Police in the state has ordered additional tactical deployments to the area to maintain public order and reassure residents.
“A comprehensive investigation is currently ongoing to determine the cause of the explosion, and further updates will be communicated as necessary,” he stated.
The police urged residents to remain calm and avoid the immediate vicinity of the hospital to allow security operatives to carry out their duties effectively as investigations continue.