FCT Police confirm two injured, clarify explosion in Maitama

The Federal Capital Territory, FCT Police Command, has confirmed that at least two persons were injured in an explosion near the Bureau of Public Enterprise premises in Maitama, Abuja.

The area was earlier thrown into panic following a loud sound that suggested an explosion in the area.

A statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer in the territory, SP Josephine Adeh, clarified that the incident occurred when refuse evacuators were setting fire to wastes in the area.

She said upon the sound of explosion, a rapid response team and members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit were deployed to assess the situation.

The PPRO noted that initial investigations suggest that an overheated metal refuse container, triggered by intense heat, exploded, resulting in injuries to two of the refuse evacuators.

She said the victims are currently receiving medical attention in Maitama General Hospital.

“The FCT Police Command urges members of the public to exercise caution and refrain from using metal refuse bins.

“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,” the statement added.