Four children were killed and another injured on Friday after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated behind Banki motor park in Bama LGA, Borno state.
The Borno state police command said the explosion occurred around 12:40 pm in Wajari ward of Banki.
Nahum Daso, police spokesperson in the state, said a 12-year-old boy, Mustapha Tijja, sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the FHI 360 NGO Clinic in Banki, where he is currently receiving treatment.
He said preliminary investigations revealed that the children were playing with the IED, which they allegedly found in the bush, when it accidentally exploded.
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The police spokesperson identified the four victims who lost their lives as Awana Mustapha (15), Malum Modu (14), Lawan Ibrahim (12), and Modu Abacha (12).
Daso said the police swiftly deployed explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams to the scene and cordoned off the area, adding that normalcy has since been restored.
Naziru Abdulmajid, commissioner of police, extended condolences to the families of the victims and cautioned the public, especially children, against handling suspicious objects.
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He urged citizens to report any suspected explosive devices immediately to law enforcement.
