2 Injured as Explosion Rocks Maitama

Residents of Maitama, Abuja, have raised alarm over what they described as an explosion in the area.

In a series of tweets via X yesterday, some residents said the sound emanated from a nearby dumpsite.

According to an X user, Serah Ibrahim, “Explosion rocks Maitama, Abuja today. An explosion occurred today at Maitama, Abuja. The explosion was said to have happened close to a refuse dumpsite. It is suspected to be from a possible gas leakage at the refuse dump.

“It has been confirmed that the explosion was not a bomb.”

But, the FCT Police Command said the explosion was the result of an overheated refuse container, which was activated by intense heat when refuse evacuators went there to remove refuse.

Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, in update to the public on the explosion said: “A rapid response team and members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit were deployed to assess the situation when it occured.

“Preliminary findings indicate than an overheated metal refuse container activated under intense heat, exploded, thereby causing injury to two of the refuse evacuators, who are currently receiving medical attention in Maitama General Hospital.

“The FCT Police Command urges members of the public to exercise caution.

“Instead, we recommend the use of plastic or rubber containers for waste disposal, as they pose a reduced risk of incidents related to overheated metal refuse containers.”