Seven pupils at LGEA Primary School, Ater, in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State were injured and hospitalized after an explosive device detonated while they were playing with it on school premises.
The students affected include Abigail Terseer, a Primary Five pupil; William Msaaga and Tyolumun Deborah, both in Primary Six; Terseer Mhenuter (Primary Three); Mzungwega Mnengeuter (Primary Two); and Aondohemba Luper (Primary One). The device was reportedly found in a classroom, possibly left behind by security personnel during operations against bandits in the area.
Witnesses say the children, curious about the unfamiliar object, pulled out the safety pin, causing the blast. The incident occurred on Tuesday at the school, according to local authorities.
Felix Igbanongo, the Education Secretary for Ukum LGA, explained what happened: “The little kids went to school early in the morning and they saw a device and started playing with it. Not knowing what it is, they played with it until one of them began to remove the pin. The thing blasted so loudly that the villagers, hearing the explosion, scampered in different directions out of fear, thinking it was an attack. Not until they discovered that it was their children who were already lying unconscious on the ground. But thank God none is dead.”
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The Local Government Chairman took the seven pupils to St. Anthony’s Hospital in Zaki Biam for urgent medical care. One child, with a serious eye injury, was referred to Makurdi for specialized treatment, with the Chairman personally accompanying the patient.
Dr. Grace Adagba, Executive Chairman of Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), and Dr. Margaret Adamu, the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, led a team to visit the hospitalized pupils. At the hospital, Dr. Adagba said, “these children are very dear to us and to the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia. We are here to ensure that their situation improves, that they are in good health condition and that they are taken back to school as soon as possible.” She added that the team would assess the extent of damage to the school and begin repairs promptly.
Dr. Adamu expressed appreciation for the Ukum Local Government Council’s swift action and commended St. Anthony’s Hospital for timely medical care. She prayed for the children’s speedy recovery.
The Ukum Council Chairman noted that investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the explosion. He said he was away on official business when the incident happened but directed that the victims receive urgent care. He also reported that three pupils were ready for discharge, with one pupil needing further eye treatment in Makurdi.
St. Anthony’s Hospital Managing Director, Rev. Sr. Susan Tonguve, confirmed the children had been stabilized, with one pupil still facing a serious eye challenge. She reassured that the hospital is doing everything possible to provide effective care.
Parents’ representative Mr. Mnzungwega Yongo expressed gratitude to the Benue State Government for its prompt response to the situation.
Police Public Relations Officer DSP Udeme Edet confirmed the incident and said an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team was deployed to the school to assess the environment.