Kebbi State Government and the State Police Command have dismissed rumors that a recent explosion at Bagudo General Hospital was caused by a bomb or a helicopter strike.

In statements released on Tuesday, both authorities confirmed that the incident was the result of a fire involving gas cylinders at the hospital, not any form of deliberate attack.

Speaking in Birnin Kebbi, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, explained that preliminary investigations indicate the blast originated in the hospital staff quarters due to a gas-related fire.

“This was not a bomb explosion nor a helicopter attack. It was a fire triggered by gas cylinders,” Bala-Tafida said. He reassured the public that no lives were lost and that residents had safely evacuated the building before the explosion occurred.

He also praised the prompt response of security agencies, saying, “We commend the Police Command and other security operatives for quickly securing the area and ensuring public safety. The state government remains dedicated to protecting lives and property.”

Confirming the report, Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said the blast resulted from overheated gas cylinders linked to air-conditioning and refrigeration units.

A tactical team, including Explosive Ordnance Disposal-Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) experts, alongside the Commissioner of Police Tactical Team, conducted an on-site evaluation and ruled out any explosive or aerial involvement.

“The assessment confirmed there were no explosives or helicopter activity. Thankfully, no injuries or fatalities occurred,” Usman stated.

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He urged residents and media outlets to avoid sharing unverified information that could create unnecessary panic, stressing, “The public should remain calm and disregard rumors suggesting a bomb or aerial attack.”