The Police Command in Kano has confirmed that there was a heavy explosion last night in the Sabon Gari area of the city.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Magaji Majiya, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the explosion occurred at about 9:30 p.m.
Majiya said details of the casualties could not be immediately ascertained, but explained that the affected area had been cordoned off by security forces.
Reports said the explosion occured on Middleton Road by Gold Coast Road and that most of the victims were traders.
The blast affected many buildings in the street.
Eyewitnesses said at least 20 persons were killed in the explosion.