Four teenagers have died following an explosion caused by an improvised explosive device in Banki, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Friday, noting that the explosion occurred behind the Banki Motor Park in Wajari Ward at about 12:40pm.
According to the police, the victims were reportedly playing with the device, which they allegedly picked from the bush, when it detonated.
“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,” the statement read.
Daso added that at about 1:00pm, a resident, Babagana Mohammed, reported the incident to the police. Operatives from the Banki Division and Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians were immediately deployed to the area, which was cordoned off for safety.
A 12-year-old boy, Mustapha Tijja, sustained 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,” the statement added.
The deceased were identified as 15-year-old Awana Mustapha; 14-year-old Malum Modu; and two 12-year-olds, Lawan Ibrahim and Modu Abacha.
The police spokesperson said normalcy has since been restored to the area, and investigations are ongoing.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, extended condolences to the affected families and warned residents—especially children—against touching or playing with unknown objects. He urged the public to promptly report suspicious items to the nearest police station.
