Bomb explodes, kills 4 teenagers in Borno
Four teenagers have died following an explosion caused by an improvised explosive device in Banki, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Daso, confirmed the tragic incident in a statement issued on Friday. He said the device detonated behind the Banki Motor Park in Wajari Ward.
Police Confirm Cause of Explosion
According to the command, the victims were reportedly playing with the device, which they allegedly picked from the bush, when it exploded.
“The Borno State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a tragic Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion that occurred today, 5/12/2025, at about 12:40 hours behind Banki Motor Park, Wajari Ward, Banki, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State,” the statement read.
At about 1:00 pm, one Babagana Mohammed of Wajari Ward reported the incident to the police. The Divisional Police Officer in Banki, alongside Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians, immediately moved to the scene and cordoned off the area.
One Child Injured, Investigation Ongoing
Daso added that a 12-year-old boy, Mustapha Tijja, sustained severe injuries and was taken to the FHI 360 NGO clinic in Banki, where he is responding to treatment.
“Further findings indicate that the injured boy had gone with four of his friends to a makeshift room behind the motor park, where the deceased were playing with an IED allegedly picked from the bush, when it accidentally exploded,” he said.
The deceased were identified as Awana Mustapha, 15; Malum Modu, 14; Lawan Ibrahim, 12; and Modu Abacha, 12.
Daso noted that normalcy had since returned to the area, and an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, expressed condolences to the families affected and warned the public—especially children—against touching or playing with strange objects. He urged residents to immediately report suspicious items to the nearest police station.
