Tragedy struck today, September 20, as an explosion rocked the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) factory located in the Kakuri Industrial Area of Kaduna South Local Government, Kaduna State.

The incident, which occurred around 10 a.m., claimed two lives and left four others injured. The blast was so powerful that it was reportedly heard across communities in Kaduna South and Chikun Local Government Areas.

The injured victims were initially rushed to St. Gerard’s Catholic Hospital, Kakuri, before being transferred by military ambulance to the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, for further treatment.

As of the time of this report, DICON management has not issued an official statement regarding the unfortunate incident.

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