An explosion rocked the General Hospital in Bagudo, Kebbi State, in the early hours of Tuesday, triggering panic among residents of the area.
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the incident but said no casualty was recorded.
It added that security operatives swiftly secured the hospital environment to forestall further threats.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Bashir Usman, said security agencies immediately moved in to take control of the situation after the blast.
“The Kebbi State Police Command wishes to assure members of the public that we have full control of the security situation following the explosion at the General Hospital, Bagudo,” Usman said in a statement.
He disclosed that a joint security team comprising the police, the military and vigilante operatives cordoned off the area, while Explosive Ordnance Disposal–Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear specialists were deployed to assess the scene.
“We are grateful to confirm that there were no casualties. Although a building within the staff quarters was damaged, the occupants had already evacuated safely,” the police spokesman added.
According to him, the state Commissioner of Police ordered the deployment of additional tactical teams to the area to maintain public order and reassure residents.
“A comprehensive investigation is currently ongoing to determine the cause of the explosion, and further updates will be communicated as necessary,” Usman stated.
The police urged residents to remain calm and to avoid the immediate vicinity of the hospital to enable security operatives to carry out their duties effectively as investigations continue.