By Nafisat Abdulrahman

Copyright leadership

Tragedy struck on Saturday at the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) in Kaduna when an explosion believed to have emanated from gunpowder production killed two workers, including a military officer, and injured four others.

The incident occurred at the corporation’s factory in the Kurmin Gwari area of Kaduna metropolis during a weekend shift, sparking panic across surrounding neighbourhoods.

Residents confirmed the blast was so powerful it shook nearby buildings, sending people fleeing in fear.

“I heard a very big blast; it shook the surrounding buildings around DICON. People were running from the area. Initially, we thought it was a bomb explosion, but later we learnt it was from the factory,” a resident who declined to be named recounted.

The injured were rushed to St. Gerard Catholic Hospital in Kakuri, about two kilometres from the factory, where doctors battled to save their lives.

A military ambulance later evacuated the victims to the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna for further treatment.

One eyewitness who helped to convey the injured said the blast occurred during the production of gunpowder materials used in arms manufacturing.

“It was an explosion from the production of gunpowder, something called primer powder. It killed a military officer instantly, as well as one civilian worker. Four other civilian workers were critically injured. Their conditions are serious,” the source, who requested anonymity, explained.

As of press time, efforts to reach DICON management for official comments were unsuccessful.

Established in 1964, DICON is Nigeria’s premier arms manufacturing outfit responsible for producing weapons and ammunition for the Nigerian Armed Forces.