Seven Pupils Injured as Explosive Device Blasts in Benue Primary School

Seven pupils of LGEA Primary School, Ater, in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, sustained injuries on Tuesday after an explosive device went off while they were unknowingly playing with it.

The victims — Abigail Terseer (Primary Five), William Msaaga and Tyolumun Deborah (Primary Six), Terseer Mhenuter (Primary Three), Mzungwega Mnengeuter (Primary Two), and Aondohemba Luper (Primary One) — reportedly discovered the device inside a classroom. It is suspected to have been left behind by security operatives during operations against bandits in the area.

A source explained that the children, unaware of the danger, pulled the safety pin, causing a loud explosion that left all seven injured.

Confirming the incident, the Education Secretary of Ukum LGA, Felix Igbanongo, said panic spread through the community as residents mistook the blast for a bandit attack.

“The little kids went to school early in the morning and found a device. Not knowing what it was, they played with it until one of them removed the pin. The explosion was so loud that villagers ran in different directions. Thank God none of the children died,” he said.

The injured pupils were taken to St. Anthony’s Hospital in Zaki Biam for treatment, with one later referred to Makurdi due to a severe eye injury.

Benue SUBEB Chairperson, Dr. Grace Adagba, and the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Margaret Adamu, visited the hospital with other officials to assess the situation. Dr. Adagba assured that the state government would support the children’s recovery and fix school facilities affected by the blast.

“These children are very dear to us and to the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia. We are here to ensure they receive proper care and return to school soon,” she stated.

Dr. Adamu praised Ukum LGA Chairman Jonathan Modi for his quick response and the management of St. Anthony’s Hospital for their swift medical intervention. Modi disclosed that investigations were underway to determine the source of the explosive. He noted that three pupils were ready for discharge, while one remained in critical condition.

Hospital Managing Director, Rev. Sr. Susan Tonguve, confirmed the children had been stabilized but noted one still faced a serious eye challenge.

Parents of the victims, represented by Mr. Mnzungwega Yongo, expressed gratitude to the state government for its prompt action.

Police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet also confirmed the incident, adding that an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team had been deployed to the school to secure the premises.