Four teenagers have died after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated in Banki, a community in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Daso, confirmed the tragic incident in a statement released on Friday. He explained that the explosion occurred behind the Banki Motor Park in Wajari Ward.
Police: Children Were Playing With Explosive Device
According to preliminary investigations, the victims were playing with the device—reportedly picked up from the bush—when it exploded.
“The Borno State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a tragic Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion that occurred today, 5/12/2025, at about 12:40 hours behind Banki Motor Park, Wajari Ward, Banki, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State,” the police statement read.
A resident, Babagana Mohammed, alerted authorities around 1:00 p.m. The Divisional Police Officer, accompanied by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel, swiftly responded, cordoned off the area, and began an assessment of the scene.
One Survivor Injured as Probe Continues
Daso also reported that 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.
“Further findings indicate that the injured boy had gone with four of his friends to a makeshift room behind the motor park, where the deceased were playing with an IED allegedly picked from the bush, when it accidentally exploded,” he said.
The deceased have been identified as:
- Awana Mustapha, 15
- Malum Modu, 14
- Lawan Ibrahim, 12
- Modu Abacha, 12
Authorities say normalcy has returned to the area, while a full investigation is ongoing.
Borno State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, extended condolences to the bereaved families and urged residents—especially children—to avoid touching unfamiliar objects. He called on the public to promptly report any suspicious items to security agencies.
Source: Gistreel.com
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