AN explosion rocked a Nigerian Army storage facility at Ilese Barracks in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, during the early hours of yesterday, sparking a fire outbreak.
Army spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, confirmed the incident in a statement, describing it as “minor.”
She said no casualties were recorded, although the affected building sustained significant structural damage.
According to Anele, the blast occurred inside one of the storage buildings belonging to the 42 Engineers Brigade Counter Improvised Explosive Device Squadron.
The resulting fire was swiftly contained by troops from the 12 Field Engineer Regiment in collaboration with the Ijebu-Ode Fire Service.
“The damage was confined to the affected building and some stored materials. A detailed assessment is ongoing to determine the extent of material loss,” the statement read in part.
The Nigerian Army assured residents of Ilese and neighbouring communities that there was no cause for alarm and urged them to continue their normal activities.
It also confirmed that investigations are underway, in collaboration with relevant agencies, to determine the cause of the explosion and prevent future occurrences.