The incident occurred at about 9.00pm after security operatives on stop-and-search in the area flagged down a truck conveying 25 gas cylinders.
By Saidu Idris
365Daily – Five people have been reported injured after suspected smuggled gas exploded in Babura Local Government Area of Jigawa State on Monday, September 12, 2022.
The incident was confirmed by the spokesman of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, CSC Adamu Shehu and DSP Lawan Shiisu, respectively, on Wednesday, September 13, in Dutse, the state capital.
They said in addition to the injuries, the explosion also damaged 17 shops and 5 houses following an inferno caused y the explosion.
NSCDC spokesman said the incident occurred at about 9.00pm after security operatives on stop-and-search in the area flagged down a truck conveying 25 gas cylinders.
He alleged that the driver of the truck refused to stop while being pursued by the operatives, resulting in one of the cylinders falling off the truck and catching fire immediately.
The spokesman added that the vehicle was coming from Tinkim town in Magarya LGA of Niger Republic to Hadejia local government area of Jigawa.
He said victims of the incident were currently receiving treatment at the Babura General Hospital.
Collaborating Shehu’s account, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP Shiisu said the culprits were pursued by a team of Nigerian Customs Border Drill No. 12 operatives while transporting the gas from Niger Republic.