Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed that two people lost their lives and three others sustained injuries following an explosion at a filling station in Daffo District, Bokkos Local Government Area, clarifying that the incident was an industrial accident rather than a security-related attack.
The explosion, which occurred on April 17, 2026, initially sparked widespread concern after reports circulated suggesting a possible bomb blast and renewed violence in Plateau State. However, authorities moved quickly to dispel those claims, stating that the incident had been misrepresented and was not linked to terrorism or any form of coordinated attack.
In an official statement released the following day, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Alfred Alabo, described the circulating reports as false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents. He stressed that preliminary investigations had confirmed the explosion was purely accidental, resulting from maintenance activities at the facility.
According to the police, the incident occurred at a filling station operated by Natty Petroleum Investment Nigeria Ltd, where repair work was being carried out on an underground storage tank. Artisans engaged in welding operations were reportedly attempting to fix a fault in the tank when the explosion happened.
Eyewitness accounts and local sources indicate that the victims included workers directly involved in the repair process. Reports suggest that the deceased were a welder and his apprentice who were working on the tank at the time of the blast. The explosion occurred shortly after welding commenced, despite assumptions that the tank was safe because it was believed to be empty.
The force of the explosion resulted in fatalities at the scene, while three other individuals nearby sustained varying degrees of injuries. These injured victims, believed to include bystanders who had gathered around the repair site, were promptly evacuated to the Cottage Hospital in Bokkos for medical treatment.
Police authorities confirmed that the bodies of the deceased were deposited at a morgue, while emergency responders worked to stabilise the injured and secure the area. One of the victims was identified as a 24-year-old man, though full details of all those affected have not been publicly disclosed.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Plateau State ordered the immediate deployment of officers to the scene. The Divisional Police Officer led a team to manage the situation, coordinate rescue operations, and ensure that there was no further threat to public safety.
As part of the response, the police also deployed their Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, commonly referred to as the anti-bomb squad, to conduct a thorough assessment of the site. Their investigation confirmed that the explosion was not caused by any improvised explosive device or deliberate act, reinforcing the conclusion that it was an industrial accident.
The police used the opportunity to caution members of the public against spreading unverified information, noting that false reports of bomb blasts or attacks could heighten tension in a state that has experienced periodic security challenges in recent years. They urged residents to rely on official sources for accurate updates and reassured the public of their commitment to maintaining peace and order.
The incident has also drawn attention to safety practices within Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, particularly during maintenance operations involving underground storage facilities. Experts have long warned that welding or repair work on fuel tanks, even when believed to be empty, can pose significant risks if proper safety protocols are not strictly followed.
Community leaders in Bokkos described the explosion as a tragic but avoidable accident, calling for stricter enforcement of safety regulations at filling stations and better training for technicians handling volatile infrastructure. They emphasised the need for preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where regulatory oversight may be less stringent.
Bokkos Local Government Area, where the incident occurred, is one of several districts in Plateau State that has experienced both economic activity and periodic security concerns. While the explosion was confirmed to be unrelated to any conflict, the initial spread of misinformation underscores the sensitivity of such incidents in regions with a history of unrest.
Analysts say the rapid clarification by the police helped to prevent escalation of fear and speculation, highlighting the importance of timely and transparent communication during emergencies. The situation was brought under control without further incident, and there have been no reports of additional casualties or damage beyond the immediate impact of the explosion.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to review compliance with safety standards at the affected facility and determine whether any negligence contributed to the incident. The outcome may influence broader regulatory enforcement across the petroleum retail sector in Plateau State and beyond.
For now, the focus remains on the recovery of the injured victims and support for the families of those who lost their lives. The Plateau State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to ensuring public safety while urging all stakeholders, including business operators and technicians, to prioritise strict adherence to safety procedures in handling flammable materials.
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