By Joe Udo
KANO (CONVERSEER) – A teargas canister explosion has injured four siblings at Bakin Kwata, Sharada area of Kano metropolis.
The incident, which occurred at about 7:50 AM on Wednesday, 1st October, was confirmed by the Kano State Police Command in a statement.
According to the statement, the explosion produced heavy smoke, burning sensation, and choking irritation, prompting the Bomb Disposal Unit to cordon off the area for safety and conduct post-blast investigation.
According to Zagazola, one of the victims, Khadeeja Rabiu, 17, sustained serious injuries on her right hand and other parts of her body, while her siblings Fatima, 15, Alamin, 11, and Suleiman, 3 sustained minor bruises. All were taken to Murtala Muhammed Hospital for treatment.
During investigation, police recovered the handle, safety lock pin and rotating guard of a tear gas canister, with strong peppery odour still perceived at the scene.
Findings revealed that the canister had been scavenged from a nearby refuse dump and brought home by one of the children, where it later exploded in the hand of Khadeeja.
Authorities said the garbage site was further screened for possible hazardous materials, and the community sensitised on the dangers of picking unknown objects from refuse dumps.
The post-blast investigation ended peacefully at about 12:15 PM.
