Dane gun discharge killed 12-year-old in Kaduna – Police

The Kaduna State Police Command has refuted reports of an explosion in the state on Tuesday, where two children were feared dead.

Rather, the police said 12-year-old Abubakar Muhammed was killed by a discharge from a locally made firearm (Dane gun).

Residents of Abakpa area of Kaduna North Local Government Area of the state, adjacent the old site of the Nigerian Defence Academy, had been sent into panic mode upon hearing what sounded like a blast.

One of the residents recounted how he was gripped by fear upon hearing a loud sound.

“I was taking my bath when I heard the explosion and ran out to see what had happened,” he said. “I saw one of the affected victims, Imam, and tried to take him to the hospital but he died before we got to the hospital,” he said.

However, the police said preliminary investigations by the Officer in charge of the Police Anti-Bomb Squad indicated that the incident was caused by the discharge of a Dane gun, not an explosion.

The police Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, confirmed the incident killed one person and left seven others injured.

The statement read, “On 22nd April 2025 at about 0830hrs, the Police received a distress call regarding a suspected blast in the Josawa Road area of Abakpa, Kaduna.

“In response, a team of policemen led by the Divisional Police Officer, Kawo Division, was immediately dispatched to the scene. The incident claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy, identified as Abubakar Muhammed of Josawa Road.

“Additionally, seven other individuals sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.

“Contrary to initial reports, experts confirmed that the incident was not an explosion. Preliminary investigations conducted by the Officer in charge of the Police Anti Bomb Squad indicate that a locally made firearm (Dane gun) was discharged, resulting in the unfortunate loss of life of the young boy.”

The police further noted that it has launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances behind the incident.

“The Commissioner of Police, Garrison Commander, State Director, Department of State Services (DSS) and the chairman, Kaduna North Local Government have all visited the scene and a thorough on-site assessment was carried out.

“The police command assures the public that further developments will be promptly and transparently communicated.

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“The command extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured,” the statement added.

However, residents of the area are still reeling in shock from the incident.