Four teenagers have lost their lives in an explosion triggered by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Banki, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Daso, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Friday, noting that the device detonated behind the Banki Motor Park in Wajari Ward.
According to the police, the victims were reportedly playing with the device, which they were believed to have picked from the bush, when it exploded.
The statement read, “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.
“At about 1300 hours, one Babagana Mohammed of Wajari Ward reported the incident to the Police. Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Banki and his team, in collaboration with Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians, were immediately mobilised to the scene, which was subsequently cordoned off.”
Daso added that a 12-year-old boy, Mustapha Tijja, sustained severe injuries and was taken to the FHI 360 NGO clinic in Banki, where he is currently responding to treatment.
“Further investigations revealed 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 were identified as Awana Mustapha, 15; Malum Modu, 14; Lawan Ibrahim, 12; and Modu Abacha, 12.
Daso stated that normalcy had since been restored to the area, and that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, psc, has expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and strongly warned members of the public, especially children, to avoid handling strange objects or suspected explosive devices, and to promptly report such sightings to the nearest police station,” the statement added.