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The Plateau State Police Command says two people were killed and three others injured in an explosion at a filling station in Daffo District of Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, the command said reports circulating online that the incident was a bomb blast were false, describing the explosion as an industrial accident.
Police said the incident occurred at Natty Petroleum Investment Nigeria Limited while artisans were carrying out welding repairs on an underground storage tank.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police immediately directed officers to the scene to restore order and support rescue efforts.
“The Plateau State Police Command received a report of an explosion which occurred at Natty Petroleum Investment Nigeria Ltd, a filling station located in Daffo District, while welding repair works were being carried out by artisans.
“Upon receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer to mobilise and lead a team of Policemen to the scene,” the command stated.
The injured victims were taken to Cottage Hospital in Bokkos for treatment, while the bodies of those killed were moved to the morgue.
The command added that its Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit was later deployed to investigate the cause of the blast. Preliminary findings, it said, showed the explosion was accidental and had no link to terrorism or any improvised explosive device.
“As an additional measure… the Commissioner of Police further deployed the Command’s Explosive Ordnance Unit (EOD) aka Anti Bomb Squad to the scene.
“Our investigation revealed that the incident was purely accidental and was not in any way connected to terrorism or IED explosion orchestrated by any person or group of persons,” the police stated.
“Regrettably, the explosion led to the death of two persons, including one Emmanuel Mapak, 24 years, while three others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention,” it said
The command also cautioned residents against spreading unverified information, warning that false reports could create unnecessary fear and tension.
It urged the public to rely on official channels for updates and assured residents of continued efforts to maintain peace and security in the state.
