Two persons have been confirmed dead, while three others sustained injuries following an explosion at a petrol station in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State on Saturday.
The incident, which initially sparked panic online amid claims of a bomb blast, was later clarified by the police as an industrial accident.
Confirming the development, the Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, dismissed reports suggesting a security-related attack, describing them as false and misleading.
“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 in Daffo District during ongoing maintenance work.
“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 said the blast happened while repairs were being conducted on an underground storage tank, leading to casualties and injuries among those present at the site.
Emergency response efforts were initiated following the incident, while investigations are expected to determine compliance with safety standards during the repair operation.