The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed that two people died and three others were injured after an explosion at a filling station in Daffo District, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, the command said earlier reports describing the incident as a bomb blast were incorrect.
Alabo explained that the explosion was actually an industrial accident.
“The Plateau State Police Command has been drawn to certain false, misleading and alarmist reports currently circulating, alleging that there was a bomb blast and outbreak of crisis in Plateau State,” the statement said, adding that the claims were “entirely false, unfounded and a deliberate misrepresentation of an unfortunate industrial accident.”
The police said the blast happened at Natty Petroleum Investment Nigeria Ltd during repair work on an underground storage tank.
The Plateau State Police Command received a report of an explosion which occurred at Natty Petroleum Investment Nigeria Ltd, a filling station located in Daffo District, while welding repair works were being carried out by artisans,” the statement explained.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police ordered officers to quickly move to the scene to control the situation and assist with rescue efforts.
“Upon receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer to mobilise and lead a team of Policemen to the scene,” the command stated.
The police said victims were taken to Cottage Hospital in Bokkos for treatment, while the bodies of the two victims were moved to the morgue.
“Our men swiftly evacuated the injured victims to Cottage Hospital, Bokkos, while the corpses of the deceased victims were deposited at the morgue,” the statement added.
To find out what caused the explosion, the police also sent in their Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, also known as the anti-bomb squad.
“As an additional measure… the Commissioner of Police further deployed the Command’s Explosive Ordnance Unit (EOD) aka Anti Bomb Squad to the scene,” it said, adding that findings showed it was not a terror-related incident.
“Our investigation revealed that the incident was purely accidental and was not in any way connected to terrorism or IED explosion orchestrated by any person or group of persons,” the police stated.
The police identified one of the victims as 24-year-old Emmanuel Mapak and said the three injured persons are currently receiving medical care.
Regrettably, the explosion led to the death of two persons, including one Emmanuel Mapak, 24 years, while three others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention,” it said.
The command warned the public against sharing unverified information, noting that false reports can create fear and unnecessary tension.
Residents were advised to rely on official updates, as the police continue efforts to maintain peace and security in the state.
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Source: Nigeria News
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