Kano bans scrap imports from Northeast after deadly explosion kills 15 workers

In the wake of a deadly explosion that claimed the lives of 15 scrap workers, the Kano State Government has imposed an immediate ban on the importation of scrap materials from Nigeria’s Northeastern region.

The tragic incident occurred at a scrap site in Gidan Karfe, along the Eastern Bypass in Kano, and has been linked to explosive devices unknowingly brought in with scrap materials from the insurgency-ravaged Northeast.

Announcing the decision on Tuesday, the Kano State Commissioner for Internal Security, Ibrahim Umaru, made the disclosure during a meeting with members of the Scrap Dealers Association of Nigeria. He stated that the ban was necessary to protect the lives and property of Kano residents and to prevent a recurrence of such tragic events.

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Umaru explained that the explosives, believed to have originated from the Northeast where Boko Haram and ISWAP militants have operated for over a decade, found their way into the state through the scrap trade.

“It has become necessary for the state government to take this decision in order to avoid further loss of lives,” the Commissioner said. “The Northeastern states have been faced with Boko Haram insurgency for quite some time, and this has unfortunately led to some scrap dealers unsuspectingly moving explosive devices into Kano State.”

He stressed that the state would work closely with the relevant agencies to monitor the movement of scrap materials and ensure the safety of residents.

In response, the Chairman of the Association of Scrap Dealers in Northern Nigeria, Aminu Hassan, expressed the association’s support for the government’s action, while calling for capacity building for members to prevent similar incidents.

“We urge the state government to provide proper training to scrap dealers so that we can identify and avoid moving dangerous items,” Alhaji Hassan said. “Our association has already issued a directive to all members to stop bringing scrap materials from war-affected areas.”

The explosion at Gidan Karfe sent shockwaves through the city, with eyewitnesses describing scenes of chaos and destruction.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the exact source of the explosive material.