Tragedy Strikes Border Community as Explosive Device Kills Minors
A devastating explosion from an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) has killed four children in the border town of Banki, Borno State. The incident, which occurred on Friday, December 5, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the community already scarred by prolonged insecurity.
According to the Borno State Police Command, the explosion happened at approximately 12:40 p.m. behind the Banki Motor Park, located in the Wajari Ward of the Bama Local Government Area. The police were alerted to the scene after a resident, Babagana Mohammed, reported an unexploded device at 1:00 p.m.
Police Investigation Reveals Heartbreaking Details
In a statement released in Maiduguri, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, provided preliminary findings from the investigation. The statement revealed that the children had entered a makeshift room near the motor park where they found and began playing with a strange object, which subsequently detonated.
The four deceased victims have been identified as:
- Awana Mustapha, aged 15
- Malum Modu, aged 14
- Lawan Ibrahim, aged 12
- Modu Abatcha, aged 12
A fifth child, 12-year-old Mustapha Tijani, sustained serious injuries from shrapnel and burns and is currently receiving medical treatment. The police, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Banki, swiftly mobilized to the scene, cordoned off the area, and have since restored normalcy.
Authorities Issue Stern Warning Amid Rising Threat
The Police Commissioner for Borno State, Naziru Abdulmajid, has expressed his profound condolences to the families of the deceased children. He also issued a crucial warning to the public, especially children, to avoid touching or playing with any strange objects found in communities, farmlands, or bushes.
While no group has immediately claimed responsibility, the device is suspected to have been planted by Boko Haram terrorists operating in the region. This tragedy underscores a severe and growing crisis. Data indicates that improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordnance killed or injured 418 civilians in northeast Nigeria in 2024, a figure more than double that of the previous year.
The incident in Banki is a grim reminder of the persistent threat posed by remnants of conflict, which continue to endanger lives long after active hostilities in an area may have ceased. The community and security forces remain on high alert.
