Authority Blames Expired Ordnance for DICON Factory Explosion
Kaduna, Nigeria — The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has attributed Saturday’s explosion at its ordnance factory in Kaduna to expired materials stored in old bunkers.
In a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Maria Sambo, the corporation explained that several raw materials for production had exceeded their lifespans and were being destroyed at the disposal pit when the incident occurred.
“The unfortunate accident happened while specialists were concluding the destruction of the remaining quantity of the expired items at the disposal pit on Saturday,” Sambo said.
DICON confirmed that two persons — including a military officer — lost their lives, while four others sustained injuries during the blast.
The corporation added that a Board of Inquiry has been set up to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the incident to prevent a recurrence.
The explosion, which shook buildings around the Kurmin Gwari area of Kaduna metropolis, triggered panic among residents before emergency teams arrived at the scene.
