Kano state Police Command has confirmed that last Tuesday’s explosion that rocked Kano was from Improvised Explosive Device, IED, and not gas cylinder as earlier claimed, even as two suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
This development followed an outcome of investigation by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal-Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense, EOD-CBRN, and Operation Puff Ader.
Also, names of the victims who died in the explosion and whose bodies were recovered and names released by the Police were Ejike Vincent (welder), Michael Adejo (chemical seller), Musa Kalla (tea seller), Christiana Abosede and Mary.
Others were Austin Dada, Madam Owoleke, Omo Ben and Bose Oladapo.
Kano State Police Command, in a statement through its Public Relations Officer, PRO, Haruna Kiyawa, informed that “preliminary investigation revealed that among the nine victims of the explosion, one of them dealt in illicit storage of toxic chemicals and other hazardous materials.
He was later identified as Michael Adejo (now late). Items recovered at the scene include five bottles of different brands of Acidic Liquid, three bags of Potassium substance, one Jeri can of mixed chemicals, six and a half cartons of Snuff (Tobacco) and five drums of Polymer (Chemical).
“Technical Investigation conducted by the command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence, EOD-CBRN, revealed that the explosion is suspected to have occurred as a result of mixed Chemical / Gas reactions exposed to a source of heat, such as fire, spark or increase in pressure resulting in combustion/shock waves, creating an explosion which can have shattering effects.
“Meanwhile arrests have been made linking one of the collapsed shops with dealings in sales of illicit, toxic chemical substances and combustible materials suspected to be used for making Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs,. Evidence of purchase was also recovered. An investigation is in progress” the police stated.