‘We lost our son in the explosion’ — Kaduna community confirms death of Atomic Energy Commission CEO

Kagoro community in Kaura local government area of Kaduna state has confirmed the death of Simon Mallam, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC). 

TheCable had reported that Mallam might have been killed following the gas explosion in Kaduna state on Saturday afternoon.

In a statement signed by one Francis Donatus Gwaza, on Sunday, Kagaro where Mallam hailed from, said the deceased was on his way back from the New Year celebration when he lost his life in the explosion. 

“We the Kagoro community regret to announce the death of one of our prominent sons of the land on his way back from the New Year celebration,” the statement read.  

“Prof. Simon P. Mallam died at the scene of the gas explosion that took place in Ungwan/Boro of Sabon-Tasha Community of Chikun local government area in Southern Kaduna. 

“Before his death, he was a professor of Physics with the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and the present chairman of Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission. 

“May his Soul Rest in Peace and may God Almighty Comfort his entire Family. Amen.”

Mallam had research interests in radiation and nuclear techniques in biophysics, medical physics, environment and radiation effects and radiation and nuclear safety and radioactive waste management.

Between 1999 and 2006, he was acting director, Center for Energy Research and Training (CERT), ABU, Zaria. He was a fellow, Nigeria Institute of Physics, and had been the national coordinator of efforts at entrenching a radioactive waste management regime in Nigeria.

Samuel Aruwan, commissioner of internal security and home affairs Kaduna state, had condoled families of the victims of the explosion.