Kano State Police Command on Saturday revealed that the explosion that rocked the Sabongari area of the State on Thursday, May 17, 2022, was a result of ‘illicit, toxic chemical substances’ used for making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
Gatekeepers News reports that the Police had earlier suggested the explosion was caused by a gas cylinder.
A statement issued on Saturday by the command spokesman, Abdullahi Kiyawa, identified the seller of the illicit chemicals as Michael Adejo who also died in the blast.
It reads:
“In continuation of an investigation of suspected Gas/Chemical Explosion that occurred on the 17/05/2022 at No. 01 Aba/Court Road Sabon Gari Quarters Kano that led to a building collapse which housed four shops and residential apartment the upstairs, 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 (Welder); Michael Adejo (Chemical Seller); Musa Kalla (Tea Seller); Christiana Abosade; Mary; Austine Dada; Madam Owoleke; Omo Ben and; Bose Oladapo.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that among the 9 victims of the explosion, one of them deals in illicit storage of toxic chemicals and other hazardous materials. He was later identified as Michael Adejo (now late).
“Items recovered at the scene include Five (5) Bottles of different brands of Acidic Liquid; Three (3) Bags of Potassium substance; One (1) Jerry can of mixed chemicals; Six and a half (6.5) Cartons of Snuff (Tobacco) and; Five (5) Drums of Polymer (Chemical).
“Technical Investigation conducted by the command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence (EOD-CBRN) revealed that the explosion is suspected to be occurred as a result of 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 which can have shattering effects.
“Meanwhile arrests have been made linking one of the collapsed shop 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 police said.
