An improvised explosive device (IED) has detonated in Gubio Town, Borno, resulting in the tragic deaths of six Quranic school pupils popularly known as Almajirai. Zagazola Makama reports
The incident took place on Saturday, January 27, when a metal scavenger unknowingly collected and stored various metallic items in a building in close proximity to a Tsangaya school. Little did the scavenger know that among the collected metal was an abandoned undetonated IED, which exploded at approximately 2 pm, claiming the lives of the children and causing severe bodily harm.
It is worth noting that metal scavenging had been prohibited in Borno State by Governor Babagana Zulum since July 2023, following reports of alleged vandalism of government facilities in abandoned communities.
Governor Zulum had, while justifying the need for outlawing scrap metal scavenging, also pointed out that many scavengers had fallen victim to insurgent attacks while venturing into deserted areas to pilfer items.
Despite the official ban, metal scavengers continued their activities without restraint, leading to this devastating and entirely avoidable loss of life.
