By Longtong I. Yakubu
The Kano State Police command has revealed that the explosion that occurred last Tuesday at Aba road by Court Road in Sabon Gari area of Kano State was as a result of a mixed Chemical / Gas reactions exposed to a source of heat, such as fire, spark or increase in pressure resulting in combustion/shock waves, creating an explosion of that magnitude.
Spokesperson of the Command, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, in a statement explained that preliminary investigation revealed that, among the 9 victims of the explosion, one of them (Michael Adejo – now late) deals in illicit storage of toxic chemicals and other hazardous materials.
“Items recovered at the scene include; five bottles of different brands of Acidic Liquid, three bags of Potassium substance, One Jeri can of mixed chemicals, Six and a half Cartons of Snuff (Tobacco), five drums of Polymer (Chemical).
“Meanwhile arrests have been made linking one of the collapsed shops with dealings in sales of illicit, toxic chemical substances and combustible materials suspected to be used for making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Evidence of purchase was also recovered. An investigation is in progress,” the statement noted.
According to Kiyawa, the collapse building affected by the explosion housed four shops and residential apartment – the upstairs; adding that, 9 people were certified dead by a Medical Doctor and 8 victims including students of Winners Kids Academy opposite the collapsed building that sustained minor injuries as a result of shock waves were treated and discharged.
“Those that lost their lives as a result of the explosion are; Ejike Vincent (Wielder), Michael Adejo (Chemical Seller), Musa Kalla (Tea Seller), Christiana Abosade, Mary, Austine Dada, Madam Owoleke, Omo Ben, Bose Oladapo.”
The statement further added that, in another development, the command has intercepted a Mercedes Benz Motor Vehicle, Ash in color with suspected sophisticated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) coming into the state from Jigawa State.
“On the 19/05/2022, following an intelligence report that, a Mercedes Benz Motor Vehicle, Ash in color with suspected sophisticated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) is coming from Jigawa State to Kano State, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Sama’ila Shu’aibu Dikko, immediately raised a crack team comprising Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical, Biological Radiological and Nuclear Defence (EOD-CBRN) and Operation Puff Adder.
“At about 1630hrs of the same date, following a hot chase, the suspects abandoned the Motor Vehicle at Bubbugaje Quarters Kumbotso LGA Kano State. A technical search conducted by the team revealed that the motor vehicle was fully loaded with Improvise Explosive Device materials. Two (2) AK-47 Rifles, Four (4) AK-47 Magazines, One Thousand and Ninety-Eight (1,098) Live Ammunition, and Two (2) Pistol Magazines were also recovered. An investigation has commenced.”
