Headlines
Four dead, many injured in Sabongari explosion – Police
Nasiru Yusuf
No fewer than four people died, many injured due to gas cylinder blast at No. 01, Aba/Court Road, Sabongari Quarters Kano opposite Winners Kids Academy.
KANO FOCUS reports that the police spokesperson in Kano Abdullahi Kiyawa announced this in a statement issued to Journalists on Tuesday.
He said the victims comprised 3 Males and 1 Female including a welder- Ejike Vincent.
According to him the victims were removed and rushed to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital Kano, where a Medical Doctor on duty certified them dead.
Scene of the blast
The statement reads in part:
“Today 17/05/2022 by 1000hrs, a report was received that, there was a sound of suspected explosion at Aba by Court Road, Sabon Gari Quarters Kano.
“On receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Sama’ila Shu’aibu Dikko, fsi immediately led the command’s combined teams of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Chemical Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defence (EOD-CBRN) and Operation Puff Adder to the scene at a building located at No. 01, Aba/Court Road, Sabongari Quarters Kano opposite Winners Kids Academy.
“Scene of the suspected explosion that led to a building collapse was cordoned up and four victims (3 Males and 1 Female) including a Wielder, named Mr. Ejike Vincent were removed and rushed to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital Kano, where a Medical Doctor certified them dead.
Scene of the blast
“Preliminary Forensic Analysis revealed a suspected Gas Cylinder Explosion with the recovery of Chemicals. Rescue Mission in Progress.”
KANO FOCUS reports that the incident happened around 9:30 a. m causing serious panic within the community as people ran helter-skelter, making frantic phone calls to ensure the safety of their loved ones.
Scene of the blast
Shortly after after the blast, parents and guardians rushed to schools and hastily withdrew their children, while schools around Sabon Gari and its environs closed down promptly.
The Commissioner of Police, Samaila Shuaibu Dikko, who led other security agencies, including the Army and the agents of Department of State Security Services (DSS), looked apparently worried and devastated, as he made calls for provision of crane to clear the debris of the building and evacuate other victims of the blast who must have been covered by the fallen blocks.
However, the incident has affected economic activities in Sabon Gari, known to be one of the major economic hub in Kano, as most businessmen closed down their businesses and retired back home to stay with their children, while relatives of the bomb victims continue to mourn their loved ones.
As at the time of filing this report the Abubakar Rimi Market, otherwise known as Sabon Gari market has been shut down.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
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