Four children were killed and another injured when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded behind a motor park in Banki, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
The tragic incident occurred around 12:40 pm on Friday, December 5, 2025 behind a motor park in Wajari Ward.
The spokesperson of the command, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, who confirmed the tragic incident in a statement said a 12-year-old boy, Mustapha Tijja, sustained serious injuries from the IED fragments and was rushed to a clinic where he is receiving medical treatment.
According to the PPRO, preliminary investigation revealed that the children were playing with the IED which they found in a 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 1240hrs behind Banki Motor Park, Wajari Ward, Banki, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State,” the statement read.
“At about 1300hrs one Babagana Mohammed ‘M’ of Wajari Ward reported to the Police. Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Banki and team, in conjunction with Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians, were immediately mobilized to the scene where the area was cordoned off.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that a 12yrs old boy, One Mustapha Tijja, sustained serious injuries from the IED fragments and was rushed to the FHI 360 NGO Clinic, Banki, for medical treatment, where he is currently 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.
“During the explosion four victims were fatally wounded: 1. Awana Mustapha ‘M’ 15yrs 2. Malum Modu ‘M’ 14yrs 3. Lawan Ibrahim ‘M’ 12yrs 4. Modu Abacha ‘M’ 12yrs.
“Normalcy has since been restored in the area. Investigation is ongoing.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, psc, has expressed deep condolences to the affected families and strongly warned members of the public, especially children, to avoid playing with strange objects or suspected explosive devices, and to promptly report such sightings to the nearest police station. Emergency Contacts: 0806 807 5581, 0802 347 3293.”
