The FCT Police Command swiftly addressed reports of an explosion in the Maitama area of the Federal Capital Territory.
In response to speculations of a bomb, the command clarified, stating that the incident resulted from an overheated metal refuse bin.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the alleged explosion occurred near a refuse dump outside the Bureau of Public Enterprise premises in Maitama, Abuja, on 24/01/2024 around 11:45 hrs.
The police deployed a rapid response team and members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit to assess the situation.
Preliminary findings revealed that the overheated metal refuse container activated under intense heat, causing an explosion.
This incident resulted in injuries to two refuse evacuators, currently receiving medical attention at Maitama General Hospital.
The FCT Police Command urged the public to exercise caution and avoid using metal refuse bins.
Instead, they recommended the use of plastic or rubber containers for waste disposal, as they pose a reduced risk of incidents related to overheated metal refuse containers, as stated in their official statement.
