Simon Mallam, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), is feared to be among those who died during the gas explosion in Kaduna state on Saturday afternoon.
TheCable had reported how a gas shop opposite Total filling station at Sabon Tasha in Kaduna metropolis caught fire, killing an unspecified number of people.
A source told TheCable that Mallam, 64, was among those who were caught in the blast.
A native of Kagoro, Kaura local government area of the state, he attained the rank of a professor in 2001.
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His specialised area of teaching over the years are in the fields of nuclear physics, health physics, instrumentation and dosimetry, solid state physics, application of radiation in the life science and radiation and radioactive waste safety and management.
Between 1999 and 2006, he was acting director, Center for Energy Research and Training (CERT), Zari. A fellow, Nigeria Institute of Physics, he has carried out researches in several areas and published numerous articles and journals.
His researches are in the fields of radiation and nuclear techniques in biophysics, medical physics, environment and radiation effects and radiation and nuclear safety and radioactive waste management.
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He has been the national coordinator of efforts at entrenching a radioactive waste management regime in the country.
No official confirmation on his death as of the time this report was filed.
In a statement, Samuel Aruwan, commissioner of internal security and home affairs, condoled families of the victims whose identities he did not disclose.
“The Kaduna State Government has condoled the families that lost their loved ones following a gas explosion today. Our thoughts are with them in this sad moment,” the statement read.
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“The incident occurred in a business premises located along Kachia Road, Sabon Tasha, in Chikun local government area.
“The State Government also sympathised with the citizens that sustained injuries in the explosion. The State Government commends the emergency services, including fire fighters of both Kaduna State and the Federal Fire Service and the Red Cross. The government has also expressed its gratitude to the security agencies that participated in the search and rescue exercise.”
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