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There was an explosion in Abuja earlier on Wednesday.
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The explosion sparked speculations of an explosive device.
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The police have disclaimed the speculations.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has revealed that the explosion outside the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) premises in Maitama, Abuja, was caused by an overheated metal refuse container.
The command made the disclosure in a statement on Wednesday.
Earlier in the day, around 11:45am, an explosion was heard near a refuse dump outside the BPE premises.
The explosion sparked speculations that an explosive device had detonated.
Reacting to the speculations, the police said preliminary investigation showed there was no security threat.
The police revealed that it was a metal refuse container that activated under intense heat and exploded.
They said two refuse evacuators were injured by the explosion, but are receiving medical attention.
“The FCT Police Command hereby wishes to update the public on an alleged explosion on 24/01/2024 at about 1145 hrs, near a refuse dump outside the Bureau of Public Enterprise premises in Maitama, Abuja,” the statement reads.
“A rapid response team and members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit were deployed to assess the situation and 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.”
Meanwhile, the police urged residents to avoid using metal refuse bins, advising them to opt for plastic or rubber containers.
“The FCT Police Command urges members of the public to exercise caution and refrain from using metal refuse bins,” the police said.
“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 container.”
The explosion came about a week after a deadly explosion rocked the Bodija area of Ibadan, Oyo State.
The explosion was reportedly caused by dynamite stored in a home.
The Federal Government says that it is still investigating to make a final confirmation on the cause of the explosion that killed at least five people.
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