A tragic improvised explosive device (IED) blast claimed the lives of four children and critically injured another last Friday in Banki, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. The Borno State Police Command confirmed the devastating incident, highlighting the ongoing dangers posed by remnants of insurgency in the region.

The explosion occurred at approximately 12:40 PM behind the Banki Motor Park in Wajari Ward. The gravity of the situation became apparent when a local resident, Babagana Mohammed, reported the incident to the police roughly 20 minutes later, around 1:00 PM.

Responding swiftly, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Banki, accompanied by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel, immediately secured the scene and commenced preliminary investigations. The Borno State Police Command's spokesperson, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, issued a statement describing the explosion as a tragic and avoidable loss of young lives, underscoring the community's profound sorrow.

Preliminary findings revealed that a group of boys had gathered in a makeshift shelter or room situated behind the motor park. Tragically, they were reportedly playing with an explosive device, which they are believed to have picked up from the surrounding bush, when it accidentally detonated. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the pervasive threat posed by unexploded ordnance in areas long affected by insurgency.

The sole survivor of the blast was 12-year-old Mustapha Tijja, who sustained severe injuries from shrapnel. He was immediately rushed to the FHI 360 NGO clinic in Banki, where police reported he is currently responding positively to treatment. The four young victims who lost their lives in the explosion were identified as Awana Mustapha, 15; Malum Modu, 14; Lawan Ibrahim, 12; and Modu Abacha, 12.

The police statement affirmed that normalcy has since been restored to the area, but a comprehensive investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding the incident is currently underway. Authorities continue to urge residents to exercise extreme caution and report any suspicious objects to prevent future tragedies.