The explosion from a dane gun has claimed the life of a boy and wounded seven people in Kaduna.

The police, however, debunked any incident of detonation of a bomb, as was speculated.

Spokesman of the Police, DSP Mansir Hassan, said on Tuesday, “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 (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,” Hassan said in a statement.

The Police spokesman said that in addition to the boy who lost his life, “seven other individuals sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.”

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

Besides, Hassan explained that “contrary to initial reports, experts confirmed that the incident was not an explosion”, pointing out that “preliminary investigations conducted by Officer in charge of 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.”

He stressed that, “Further investigations and assessments are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. 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 a speedy recovery to those injured.”