The Niger State Police Command has confirmed that a deadly explosion in the Sabon Pegi area of the Mashegu Local Government Area on Sunday was caused by dynamite stored in a residential building.
According to a statement from the police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the explosion claimed the life of one Fatima Sadauki, while six others were injured and taken to the General Hospital Kainji, New Bussa, for treatment.
“The explosion of dynamites occurred in densely populated residential buildings in Sabon Pegi, Mashegu Local Government Area, on Sunday,” Abiodun said. “The suspected dynamites were stored in a residential house by one Yushau for a purported mining activity.”
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Abiodun also disclosed that the blast affected around 12 houses in the vicinity, causing extensive damage to properties.
In light of the tragedy, the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, CP Shawulu Danmamman, has ordered an investigation into the circumstances leading to the explosion.
This incident follows closely on the heels of a fuel tanker explosion along the Dikko-Maje-Minna road, further heightening concerns over public safety in the state.