Two people have been confirmed dead, while three others sustained injuries after an explosion at a petrol station in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State on Saturday.
The incident initially sparked concern online, with some reports suggesting it was a bomb blast linked to unrest in the state.
However, the Plateau State Police Command has dismissed those claims, clarifying that the explosion was the result of an industrial accident.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, confirmed the development in an official statement, urging the public to disregard misleading reports circulating on social media.
“The Plateau State Police Command has been drawn to certain false, misleading and alarmist reports currently circulating, alleging that there was a bomb blast and outbreak of crisis in Plateau State,” the statement said.
According to the police, the explosion occurred at Natty Petroleum Investment Nigeria Ltd, a filling station located in Daffo District. The incident happened while artisans were carrying out welding repairs on an underground storage tank.
“The Plateau State Police Command received a report of an explosion which occurred at Natty Petroleum Investment Nigeria Ltd, a filling station located in Daffo District, while welding repair works were being carried out by artisans,” the statement explained.
Authorities have not indicated any link to criminal activity, reinforcing that the situation was an accident rather than an act of violence.
The clarification aims to calm public fears and prevent the spread of misinformation regarding security in the state.
