Four siblings were injured on Wednesday morning after a tear gas canister exploded at Bakin Kwata in the Sharada area of Kano metropolis.
The Kano State Police Command, confirming the incident in a statement, said the explosion occurred around 7:50 a.m., releasing thick smoke that caused burns, choking sensations, and panic in the neighborhood.
According to Zagazola Makama, the Bomb Disposal Unit was immediately deployed to cordon off the scene and conduct a post-blast investigation.
One of the victims, 17-year-old Khadeeja Rabiu, sustained severe injuries to her right hand and other parts of her body. Her siblings — Fatima, 15; Alamin, 11; and Suleiman, 3 — suffered minor bruises. All four were taken to Murtala Muhammed Hospital for treatment.
Investigators recovered the handle, safety lock pin, and rotating guard of the canister, which still emitted a strong peppery odour. Findings revealed that the device had been picked from a nearby refuse dump by one of the children before it exploded in Khadeeja’s hand.
Police said the dump site was further screened for other hazardous items, while residents were sensitised on the dangers of picking unknown objects from garbage sites.
Tear gas canister explodes in Kano, injures four children
