Four Borno teenagers killed in bomb explosion

The Borno State Police Command has begun an investigation into a bomb explosion that killed four teenagers in Banki, Bama Local Government Area of the state.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Nahum Daso, an improvised explosive device went off behind the Banki Motor Park in Wajari Ward.

The deceased were identified as Awana Mustapha, 15; Malum Modu, 14; Lawan Ibrahim, 12; and Modu Abacha, 12.

Daso explained that the victims were playing with the device, which they allegedly picked from the bush, when it detonated.

The statement read: “The Borno State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a tragic Improvised Explosive Device 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 of Wajari Ward reported to the Police. Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer Banki and team, in conjunction with Explosive Ordnance Disposal 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.

Daso added that normalcy has been restored to the area and that the investigation is ongoing.

“The Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, 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,” he added.

culled from punch