Tragedy struck in Kano State, when an explosion from an unexploded ordnance (UXO) killed one person and injured six others at a metal scrapyard in the Kofar Dawanau area of Dala Local Government Area.
According to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the blast occurred around 5:30 p.m. as scrap dealers were offloading materials from a truck with registration number PKM 709 ZY.
Preliminary findings by the police bomb disposal unit (BOMPOL) revealed the explosion was triggered by a hand grenade believed to be mixed in with the scrap.
The deceased, identified as Hamisu Uzairu, a 55-year-old labourer from PRP Kwanar Jaba Quarters in Nasarawa LGA, was confirmed dead at the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital, Kano.
Six others — Sani Ahmed, Najib Sani, Jabir Tijani, Wada Abdullahi, Huzaifa Yusha’u, and Bilyaminu Snu — sustained various degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the hospital.
The scrapyard, owned by Jamilu Zakari Salisu, was promptly shut down and reported to the Dala Divisional Police Headquarters following the blast.
The police have since cordoned off the area to prevent further risk to residents.
In a statement, the Kano State Police Command confirmed that investigations are ongoing to trace the origin of the explosive device.
Authorities have also issued a strong advisory to scrap dealers and members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious metallic objects.
“We urge everyone to take extra caution. Unidentified metallic objects must be reported to security agencies immediately to avoid another tragedy,” the command warned.
