Four children lost their lives and another was injured on Friday after an improvised explosive device (IED) went off behind Banki motor park in Bama Local Government Area, Borno state.
Gatekeepers News reports that the explosion happened around 12:40 pm in Wajari ward, according to the Borno state police command.
Nahum Daso, the police spokesperson, said a 12-year-old boy, Mustapha Tijja, sustained serious injuries and was taken to the FHI 360 NGO Clinic in Banki, where he is receiving treatment.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the children were playing with the IED, reportedly found in the bush, when it accidentally detonated.
The deceased were identified as Awana Mustapha (15), Malum Modu (14), Lawan Ibrahim (12), and Modu Abacha (12).
Daso said explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams were promptly deployed, and the area was cordoned off. He added that normalcy has since returned.
Borno Police Commissioner Naziru Abdulmajid offered condolences to the victims’ families and warned the public, especially children, not to touch suspicious objects.
He urged citizens to report any suspected explosive devices immediately to law enforcement agencies.
