Police: Accidental gun discharge, not explosion, killed 12-year-old boy in Kaduna

A 12-year-old boy has been confirmed dead in a suspected accidental discharge of a dane gun in Kaduna State.

The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the incident via a statement issued by its spokesman, ASP Mansir Hassan, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

Hassan, therefore, denied the occurrence of any explosion in any part of the state.

Hassan stated: “At about 8:30 a.m., our operatives 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 (DPO), 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.

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

He stated that the Commissioner of Police, Garrison Commander, 1 Division Nigerian Army, State Director, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Chairman, Kaduna North Local Government, had all visited the scene.

Hassan added that a thorough on-site assessment was carried out, saying: “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 indicated that a locally made firearm (Dane gun) was discharged, resulting in the unfortunate loss of life of the young boy.”

The police spokesman said further investigations and assessments were ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

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

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

The Star