Fire Outbreak Triggers Explosion At Kebbi General Hospital

A loud explosion rocked the General Hospital in Bagudo, Kebbi State, in the early hours of Tuesday, sparking panic among residents and initial fears of a security incident.

However, the Kebbi State Government has clarified that the blast was caused by a fire outbreak, not a bomb or terrorist attack as speculated on social media.

The incident occurred around midnight, affecting a building within the hospital’s staff quarters. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, as occupants had safely evacuated the area before the explosion.

In a statement issued by Yahaya Sarki, Special Adviser to Governor Nasir Idris on Media and Publicity, the government emphasized that preliminary investigations pointed to a fire as the source of the explosion.

Reports from security agencies, including experts from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, confirmed no involvement of explosives.

“The explosion resulted from a fire outbreak, contrary to widespread rumors of a bomb blast,” the statement read.

The government commended the swift response of the Kebbi State Police Command and other security operatives, who secured the area and restored calm.

Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, earlier confirmed the incident and assured residents that the situation was under control.

“We have full control of the security situation following the explosion at the General Hospital, Bagudo,” he said. Additional tactical teams were deployed, and a thorough probe is ongoing to ascertain the exact circumstances leading to the fire.

Although one building sustained damage, hospital operations have not been severely disrupted, and normalcy has returned to the community.

The Kebbi State Government reiterated its commitment to the safety of lives and property, urging residents to disregard misinformation and cooperate with authorities.

This clarification comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of northern Nigeria, but officials stressed that this was an isolated accidental incident with no links to insurgency. Further updates will be provided as investigations progress.