•An explosion
Four teenagers have been killed in an explosion involving an improvised explosive device in Banki, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Daso, confirmed the incident in a statement released today, saying the device went off behind the Banki Motor Park in Wajari Ward.
According to the police, the victims were reportedly playing with the device, which they allegedly picked from the bush, when it detonated, reports The PUNCH.
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 1300hrs, one Babagana Mohammed ‘M’ of Wajari Ward reported to the Police. Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Banki and team, in conjunction with Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians, were immediately mobilised to the scene, where the area was cordoned off.”
Daso further noted 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 responding to 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 were identified as Awana Mustapha, 15; Malum Modu, 14; Lawan Ibrahim, 12; and Modu Abacha, 12.
Daso said normalcy had been restored to the area, adding that the investigation was ongoing.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, psc, has expressed deep condolences to the affected families and strongly warned members of the public, especially children, to avoid playing with strange objects or suspected explosive devices, and to promptly report such sightings to the nearest police station,” the statement concluded.
