No bomb explosion occurred, but 2 fatalities resulted from a petrol station blast, according to Plateau State law enforcement.

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By Golok Nanmwa

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The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed that an explosion at a fuel station in Daffo District, Bokkos Local Government Area, killed two persons while three others sustained injuries.

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In a statement on Saturday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, debunked viral reports claiming a bomb blast and outbreak of crisis in the state, describing them as false, misleading and alarmist.

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The incident occurred at Natty Petroleum Investment Nigeria Ltd filling station while artisans were carrying out welding repair works on one of the underground storage tanks.

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“Upon receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer to lead a team to the scene,” Alabo said.

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He added that the injured victims were swiftly evacuated to Cottage Hospital, Bokkos, while the corpses of the deceased were deposited at the morgue.

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The Command said it deployed its Explosive Ordinance Unit (EOD), also known as the Anti-Bomb Squad, to the scene for preliminary investigation.

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“Our investigation revealed that the incident was purely accidental and was not in any way connected to terrorism or an IED explosion orchestrated by any person or group,” the statement added.

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The explosion claimed the lives of two persons, including 24-year-old Emmanuel Mapak, while three others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.

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The police urged members of the public to disregard the false narratives, warning that such misinformation could cause unnecessary panic and tension among residents.

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The Command cautioned individuals and platforms spreading unverified information to desist from acts capable of undermining public peace, and advised them to rely only on official and credible sources.

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“Plateau State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the peace and security of all residents. We therefore call on them to remain calm,” the statement said.

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