Kaduna State in Northwest Nigeria is notorious for banditry and kidnapping activities
A tragic explosion at the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) facility in Kaduna has resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries, the organization announced on Saturday.
The incident unfolded at the Ordnance Factory’s disposal pit, where teams were handling outdated materials, according to a statement from DICON’s Public Relations Officer, Maria Sambo.
“Some old storage bunkers used to store raw materials for production contained several expired materials for production which had exceeded their lifespans, including a large quantity of Ammonia Nitrates, Primer Caps, Propellants and others,” Sambo explained.
DICON had launched a disposal operation back in July to safely eliminate these hazardous items, managing to neutralize all ammonia nitrates and most of the rest without issue.
“However, the unfortunate accident of the explosion occurred while specialists were concluding the destruction of the remaining quantity of the expired items at the disposal pit on Sept, 20,” she added.
She said the wounded employees are now under care at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna, and the deceased worker’s remains have been taken to a local mortuary.
While commiserating with staff, families and friends of the deceased and wishing the injured a quick recovery, DICON assured the general public that the unfortunate incident is under control and there is no need for panic.”
“The neighbouring community is assured that DICON, as a responsible professional organisation, has institutionalised operational safety to the highest level, and they can go about their normal business.” She said.
Sambo confirmed that the leftover materials have been secured, noting, “The remaining materials have been made safe.”
DICON has established a board of inquiry to investigate the explosion’s root cause.
