According to intelligence sources, the incident occurred around 8am, triggering panic in the densely populated Josawa Road area of Abakpa.

An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast has claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy and injured at least six others in the Abakpa area of the Kaduna North Local Government Area.

SaharaReporters gathered that the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

However, police authorities have since denied the explosion theory, attributing the cause to a discharged locally-made firearm.

According to intelligence sources, the incident occurred around 8am, triggering panic in the densely populated Josawa Road area of Abakpa.

The deceased minor was identified as Abubakar Mohammed, a resident of the community. Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang followed by chaos as residents scrambled for safety.

Meanwhile, in a statement issued later on  by the Kaduna State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, authorities denied any explosion. 

According to the statement, a distress call was received at about 8:30am, and a police team led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Kawo Division was dispatched to the scene.

The statement read, "On 22nd April 2025 at about 0830hrs, the Police received a distress call regarding a suspected blast in the Josawa Road area of Abakpa, Kaduna.

"In response, a team of policemen led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Kawo Division, was immediately dispatched to the scene. The incident claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy, identified as Abubakar Muhammed of Josawa Road."

 Mansir explained that seven other individuals sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.

"The Commissioner of Police, Garrison Commander, State Director, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the chairman kaduna north local government have all visited the scene and a thorough on-site assessment was carried out.

"Contrary to initial reports, experts confirmed that the incident was not an explosion. Preliminary investigations conducted by Officer in charge of Police Anti-Bomb Squad indicate that a locally made firearm (Dane gun) was discharged, resulting in the unfortunate loss of life of the young boy," he said.

According to Mansir, "Further investigations and assessments are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. The Police Command assures the public that further developments will be promptly and transparently communicated."

"The Command extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured," he added.