At least seven pupils of LGEA Primary School, Ater, in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, sustained varying degrees of injuries on Tuesday after an explosive device went off while they were unknowingly playing with it.
The victims, Abigail Terseer (Primary Five), William Msaaga and Tyolumun Deborah (Primary Six), Terseer Mhenuter (Primary Three), Mzungwega Mnengeuter (Primary Two), and Aondohemba Luper (Primary One), reportedly found the device in a classroom, suspected to have been left behind by security operatives during operations against bandits in the area.
A source who spoke with Vanguard, said the children, unaware of the danger, pulled out the safety pin, triggering a loud explosion that injured all seven.
Confirming the incident, the Education Secretary of Ukum LGA, Felix Igbanongo, said panic spread through the community as villagers mistook the explosion for an attack.
“The little kids went to school early in the morning and found a device. Not knowing what it was, they played with it until one of them removed the pin. The explosion was so loud that villagers ran in different directions. Thank God none of the children died,” he said.
The injured pupils were rushed to St. Anthony’s Hospital, Zaki Biam, where one of them, with a serious eye injury, was later referred to Makurdi for specialised treatment.
The Executive Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Grace Adagba, and the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr Margaret Adamu, visited the hospital alongside other officials to assess the pupils’ condition.
Dr Adagba assured the families of government support, pledging to cover the children’s treatment and repair damaged school facilities.
“These children are very dear to us and to the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia. We are here to ensure they receive proper care and return to school soon,” she said.
Dr Adamu commended the swift intervention of the Ukum LGA Chairman, Jonathan Modi, and lauded the management of St. Anthony’s Hospital for their timely response.
The LGA Chairman disclosed that investigations were ongoing to trace the source of the explosive, noting that three pupils had been discharged while one remained in critical condition.
The hospital’s Managing Director, Rev. Sr. Susan Tonguve, confirmed the pupils had been stabilised, adding that only one was still battling a severe eye challenge.
Parents of the victims, represented by Mr Mnzungwega Yongo, thanked the state government for its prompt intervention.
Police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, also confirmed the incident, saying an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team had been deployed to the school to assess the environment and prevent a recurrence.