The Kebbi State Police Command has moved to clarify the cause of an explosion that occurred at the General Hospital, Bagudo, in the early hours of Tuesday. Dismissing widespread reports and rumours suggesting a bomb blast or helicopter involvement, the Command, through its Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, assured the public that the situation was under control and the true cause had been identified.

Investigations and expert assessments, including those conducted by Explosive Ordnance Disposal–Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) specialists and the Commissioner of Police Tactical Team, revealed that the incident was caused by an inferno. This fire led to the overheating of air-conditioning and refrigerator gas cylinders within the hospital facility, resulting in the loud explosions heard in the area. The detailed assessment explicitly confirmed that no explosives were involved in the incident, nor was there any aerial or helicopter activity connected to the explosion.

Crucially, the police also confirmed that no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded due to the incident, a fact verified by the on-site expert teams. While a building in the staff quarters was damaged, its occupants had already evacuated safely before the explosion. A joint security team comprising police, military, and vigilante personnel swiftly cordoned off and secured the affected area immediately following the incident, with additional tactical deployments by the Commissioner of Police to maintain public order.

The Command urged members of the public and the media to disregard unverified reports and misinformation, including unfounded claims of a bomb or other hostile action, and to rely solely on official information. SP Bashir Usman reiterated the Command's commitment to public safety and transparent communication, assuring residents that a comprehensive investigation is ongoing and further updates will be provided as necessary.