Four teenagers were tragically killed and one sustained serious injuries on Friday afternoon following an improvised explosive device (IED) detonation in Banki, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. The incident underscores the persistent danger posed by unexploded ordnance in communities recovering from conflict.
The Borno State Police Command confirmed the fatal explosion, which occurred behind the Banki Motor Park in Wajari Ward at approximately 12:40 PM.
Playing with Death
The victims were reportedly playing with the deadly device, which they had allegedly picked up from the bush, when it accidentally detonated. The incident was reported to the police shortly after by a resident, Babagana Mohammed.
Borno State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nahum Daso, released a statement to Hobnob News confirming the findings. Police and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians were immediately mobilized to the scene to secure the area.
The four deceased victims were identified as Awana Mustapha (15), Malum Modu (14), Lawan Ibrahim (12), and Modu Abacha (12).
A fifth child, 12-year-old Mustapha Tijja, sustained serious injuries in the blast and was immediately rushed to the FHI 360 NGO clinic in Banki, where he is currently responding to treatment.
CP Issues Strong Warning
The Borno State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, psc, expressed deep condolences to the affected families over the devastating loss.
He issued a strong warning to the general public, especially children, to be vigilant and avoid the temptation of handling or playing with strange objects found in the open.
“The Commissioner of Police… strongly warned members of the public, especially children, to avoid playing with strange objects or suspected explosive devices, and to promptly report such sightings to the nearest police,” Daso stated.
The police confirmed that normalcy has been restored to the area, and a full investigation into the origin of the IED is ongoing.
