Police deny explosion in Kaduna, say 12-year-old boy killed by accidental discharge from dane gun

The police command in Kaduna has refuted claims of an explosion on the Josawa road in the Abakpa area of the capital city on Tuesday.

In a statement, Mansir Hassan, police spokesperson in Kaduna, said the incident, which was initially reported as a suspected blast, was not an explosion.

Hassan said a 12-year-old victim identified as Abubakar Muhammed was killed in an accidental discharge from a dane gun.

He added that seven other individuals sustained injuries of varying degrees in the accident and are receiving medical treatment.

He said further investigations are ongoing to ascertain the exact circumstances of the incident.

“The Commissioner of Police, Garrison Commander, State Director, Department of State Services (DSS), and the chairman of Kaduna north local government have all visited the scene and a thorough on-site assessment was carried out,” the statement reads.

“Contrary to initial reports, experts confirmed that the incident was not an explosion. Preliminary investigations conducted by the officer in charge of the police anti-bomb squad indicate that a locally made firearm (Dane gun) was discharged, resulting in the unfortunate loss of life of the young boy.

“Further investigations and assessments are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The Police Command assures the public that further developments will be promptly and transparently communicated.

“The Kaduna State Police Command expressed its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and wished a swift recovery to those injured.”