Four teenagers have lost their lives following an explosion triggered by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Banki, located in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Borno State Police Command confirmed the heartbreaking incident in an official statement released on Friday. Police spokesperson, Nahum Daso, said the explosion occurred behind the Banki Motor Park in Wajari Ward.
Police Confirm Cause of Explosion
According to the command, the victims were reportedly playing with the device — believed to have been picked from the bush — before it detonated.
“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 statement read.
Around 1:00 pm, one Babagana Mohammed of Wajari Ward reported the incident. Police officers, including Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) experts, immediately arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area.
One Survivor Injured, Receiving Treatment
The police further revealed that a 12-year-old boy, Mustapha Tijja, sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the FHI 360 NGO clinic in Banki. He is currently responding to treatment.
Preliminary investigations show that the injured boy had followed four friends to a small shelter behind the motor park where the teens were playing with the IED before it exploded.
Identities of Victims Released
The deceased were identified as:
- Awana Mustapha, 15
- Malum Modu, 14
- Lawan Ibrahim, 12
- Modu Abacha, 12
The police confirmed that normalcy has been restored to the area while investigations continue.
Police Issue Public Warning
Borno State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, expressed condolences to the families of the victims. He also urged residents—particularly children—to avoid touching strange or suspicious objects.
He appealed to the public to promptly report any unfamiliar items to the nearest police station to prevent similar tragedies.
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