At least seven pupils of LGEA Primary School, Ater Ayange in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, have been injured following the explosion of a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) on the school premises.
The incident, which occurred around 2pm on Tuesday, September 16, threw the quiet rural community into panic after the children reportedly stumbled on a strange object within the compound and began playing with it. Unknown to them, the object was an explosive device.
A counterinsurgency publication, Zagazola Makama, first reported the incident, disclosing that the injured pupils were rushed to a hospital in Zaki-Biam where they are currently receiving treatment. Hospital sources confirmed to PLATFORM TIMES that the victims are “responding positively” to medical care.
Shockingly, the incident was not reported to security operatives until Thursday, September 18, two days later, when the Divisional Police Officer in Ukum received information and swiftly dispatched a patrol team to the school and the hospital.
Benue State Police Command spokesperson, SP Udeme Edet, who confirmed the incident, said an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit has since been deployed to the scene.
“The police are already on top of it. Our EOD team has been sent to Ukum LGA to sweep the area for possible recovery of other hidden explosive objects.
In addition, the Criminal Investigation Department has opened an inquiry into the incident to determine the nature of the device and how it found its way into a school environment,” Edet said. .
Security experts have raised concerns over the late reporting of the blast, warning that the delay may compromise investigations and embolden criminal elements in the state.
Meanwhile, residents of Ukum have expressed fears about the safety of children in schools within the conflict-prone area, urging both the government and security agencies to intensify surveillance.
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