In a deeply saddening turn of events, an explosion has occurred at the Canadian embassy in Nigeria, resulting in the loss of two lives, including a locally engaged employee.
The incident, which took place earlier on Tuesday, November 7 , has sent shockwaves through the diplomatic community and raised concerns about the safety of embassy staff and visitors.
Authorities have swiftly responded to the situation, initiating a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the explosion as the embassy announces a temporary halt in operations until further notice.
Global Affairs Canada, the Canadian government department responsible for international relations, said in a statement on X that an investigation into the cause of the explosion is underway but that everything points to an accident rather than a deliberate act.
The explosion occurred in a generator room at the High Commission in the capital, Abuja, leaving two other people injured. All other staff at the embassy are safe and unharmed, the statement said.
“We extend our sympathies to the families of those killed and wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” the statement said.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a rapid recovery.
