Residents of Bagudo in Kebbi State were thrown into panic early Tuesday following an explosion at the General Hospital in the area.
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that no lives were lost.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, the explosion occurred in the early hours of the day and prompted an immediate security response, with operatives swiftly securing the area to prevent further danger.
Usman said a joint security team comprising police officers, soldiers, and vigilante operatives cordoned off the hospital premises, while personnel from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal–Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) unit were deployed to assess the scene.
He explained that one of the buildings within the hospital’s staff quarters sustained damage, but all occupants had evacuated before the blast, resulting in no casualties.
The police spokesperson added that the Commissioner of Police had ordered the deployment of additional tactical units to the area to maintain peace and reassure residents.
Investigations have since commenced to determine the cause of the explosion, Usman said, assuring that updates would be provided as findings emerge.
He also urged members of the public to remain calm and stay away from the hospital environment to enable security operatives carry out their investigation without obstruction.