Many are feared dead following an explosion at the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) factory in the Kakuri Industrial area of Kaduna South Local Government Area on Saturday morning.
The blast, which reportedly occurred around 10 am, sent shockwaves across nearby communities in Kaduna South and Chikun LGAs. As of the time of filing this report, one person has been confirmed dead, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Witnesses said the explosion was powerful enough to shake buildings several kilometers away, sparking panic among residents.
Although the cause of the explosion has not yet been disclosed, the management of DICON is expected to issue an official statement. Military personnel have cordoned off the factory area, restricting movement as emergency teams evacuated the injured to nearby hospitals for urgent treatment.
Security operatives are maintaining heavy presence at the scene to forestall further incidents and ensure safety.
The incident has raised concerns over safety protocols at the country’s premier defence production facility, established in 1964 to manufacture arms and ammunition for the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies.
Further details are awaited as investigations continue.
