Suspected IED In Benue School Explodes, Injures Seven Pupils

At least seven pupils have been injured in an explosion that rocked the LGEA Primary School, Ater, in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

The incident reportedly occurred when children discovered an unfamiliar object suspected to be an Improvised Explosive Device inside a classroom and began playing with it before it suddenly detonated.

A resident, simply identified as Ternenger, explained what happened in a phone interview on Friday.

The resident said, “The children picked up an object and were playing with it, and inserted it into a combustible element, which led to the explosion,” according to Daily Post.

“Thankfully, no life was lost, but seven pupils sustained injuries. It was not an armed attack targeted at the school, but purely an accident. The blast also damaged part of the school building.”

Ternenger said the object might have been part of an explosive device accidentally left behind during a past security clearance operation.

The injured pupils were identified as Abigail Terseer (Primary Five), William Msaaga and Tyolumun Deborah (both Primary Six), Terseer Mhenuter (Primary Three), Mzungwega Mnengeuter (Primary Two), and Aondohemba Luper (Primary One).

Confirming the incident, the Benue State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said an Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit had been deployed to secure and evaluate the scene.

Also, a delegation from the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management, led by Commissioner Dr. Margaret Adamu, reportedly visited both the school and the injured pupils at St. Anthony’s Hospital, Zaki-Biam.

She commended Ukum Local Government Area Chairman, Jonathan Modi, for his swift response and thanked the hospital staff for their prompt intervention.

She also expressed confidence that the children would make full recoveries.

The Chairman Modi, who noted that he was away on official duty when the blast occurred, said three of the victims were nearly ready for discharge, while one pupil with a serious eye injury would be referred to Makurdi for specialised treatment.

The Managing Director of St. Anthony’s Hospital, Rev. Sr. Susan Tonguve, also confirmed that all the injured pupils had been stabilised, adding that only one required further intensive eye care.

Speaking on behalf of the parents, Mzungwega Yongo expressed gratitude to the Benue State government for its quick response and support to the affected families.  (SaharaReporters)