Reports of an explosion in the state on Tuesday that left two youngsters thought to be dead have been denied by the Kaduna State Police Command.
Instead, the police claimed that a discharge from a locally manufactured pistol (a Dane gun) killed 12-year-old Abubakar Muhammad.
When they heard what sounded like a bomb, residents of the Abakpa neighbourhood in the state’s Kaduna North Local Government Area, which is next to the former location of the Nigerian Defence Academy, went into a panic.
One of the residents described how he heard a loud noise and became terrified.
“I was taking my bath when I heard the explosion and ran out to see what had happened,” he said. “I saw one of the affected victims, Imam, and tried to take him to the hospital but he died before we got to the hospital,” he said.
But according to the authorities, initial enquiries by the officer in command of the authorities’ Anti-Bomb Squad showed that a Dane pistol discharge, not an explosion, was what caused the tragedy.
Mansir Hassan, the police public relations officer, confirmed that one person was murdered and seven others were injured in the event.
According to the statement, “the police received a distress call about a suspected explosion in the Josawa Road area of Abakpa, Kaduna, on April 22, 2025, at approximately 0830hrs.”
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“In response, a team of policemen led by the Divisional Police Officer, Kawo Division, was immediately dispatched to the scene. The incident claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy, identified as Abubakar Muhammed of Josawa Road.
“Additionally, seven other individuals sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.
“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.”
The police further noted that it has launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances behind the incident.
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“The Commissioner of Police, Garrison Commander, State Director, Department of State Services (DSS) and the chairman, Kaduna North Local Government, have all visited the scene,e and a thorough on-site assessment was carried out.
“The police command assures the public that further developments will be promptly and transparently communicated.
“The command extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured,” the statement added.
However, residents of the area are still reeling in shock from the incident.
