The Kebbi State Government has clarified the circumstances surrounding the incident at the General Hospital in Bagudo that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, dismissing claims that it was a bomb blast.
In a statement issued by Yahaya Sarki, the Special Adviser to Governor Nasir Idris on Media and Publicity, the government explained that the loud explosion resulted from a fire outbreak and not an explosive device, contrary to widespread speculation on social media.
According to Sarki, the clarification was provided by the Secretary to the State Government, who said preliminary findings and reports from security agencies confirmed that the incident originated from a fire within the hospital’s staff quarters. He stressed that there was no evidence to suggest the use of any bomb or improvised explosive device.
The SSG disclosed that the Kebbi State Government is working closely with the Police and other security agencies, who have since taken full control of the area and restored normalcy.
He reassured residents that no lives were lost in the incident, noting that although a building was affected, all occupants had safely evacuated before the explosion occurred.
The SSG urged members of the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary fear and panic among residents.
He added that security agencies, including the Police, the Military, and other relevant units, are actively managing the situation, while investigations continue to determine the precise cause of the fire outbreak.
The state government also commended the swift response of the Kebbi State Police Command and other security operatives for promptly securing the area and ensuring public safety.
The government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Kebbi State.
Channels Television had earlier reported that a loud explosion was heard at the General Hospital in Bagudo in the early hours of Tuesday, an incident the Kebbi State Police Command also confirmed did not result in any casualties.
What you should know
Bagudo is a local government area in Kebbi State where public concern quickly rose after reports of an explosion at a government hospital.
In Nigeria, such incidents often trigger fears of insecurity, making official clarification critical. Fires in staff quarters can be caused by electrical faults, cooking accidents, or fuel-related issues, which sometimes lead to loud blasts. Security agencies typically cordon off such areas to rule out sabotage or explosives before confirming the cause.
The government’s intervention and clarification aim to prevent panic, curb misinformation on social media, and reassure residents that there was no security threat linked to the incident.
