Okupe said it was an accidental explosion, contrary to news making the rounds.

It was gathered that residents of the local government, who thought it was a Boko Haram attack, had scampered to safety following the blast.

But Okupe explained that it was a welding gas explosion.

He said: “It was an accidental explosion from a welding tank when a welder was working on a pipe for a soldier.

“The welder died instantly while the soldier and one other civilian sustained injuries and are responding to treatment at the Specialists Hospital Damaturu."

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He urged the people not to panic, saying the situation is under control and that they can go about their normal businesses.