Tragedy in Borno as Four Teenagers Killed in IED Explosion Near Banki Motor Park

A wave of grief has swept through Banki town in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State following the tragic death of four teenagers in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion. Akahi News learnt that the incident occurred on Friday afternoon behind the Banki Motor Park in Wajari Ward, leaving the community in shock and raising fresh concerns about the lingering dangers posed by abandoned explosive materials in the region.

Police Confirm Incident and Provide Initial Findings

Explosion Occurred While Victims Played With Device

In a statement released on Friday, the Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Daso, confirmed the heartbreaking incident. According to the police, the teenagers were reportedly playing with the device, which they allegedly picked from the bush, when it detonated unexpectedly.

Akahi News gathered that the explosion occurred at about 12:40 pm, prompting immediate distress calls from residents. A community member, Babagana Mohammed, was said to have reported the incident to the police around 1:00 pm.

Daso explained that upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer in Banki, alongside Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians, swiftly mobilised to the scene. The area was cordoned off to prevent further casualties and to allow for proper assessment.

Casualties and Ongoing Investigation

Four Teenagers Confirmed Dead, One Injured

The police spokesperson revealed that four boys lost their lives in the explosion. They were identified as:

• Awana Mustapha, 15
• Malum Modu, 14
• Lawan Ibrahim, 12
• Modu Abacha, 12

A fifth boy, 12‑year‑old Mustapha Tijja, survived but sustained serious injuries. Akahi News learnt that he was rushed to the FHI 360 NGO clinic in Banki, where he is currently responding to treatment.

Further findings indicated that the boys had gathered in a makeshift room behind the motor park, unaware of the deadly nature of the object they were handling.

Authorities Restore Calm as Investigation Continues

Daso assured the public that normalcy had been restored to the area. He added that investigations were ongoing to determine the source of the explosive device and to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Journalists who monitored the situation reported a heavy security presence around the scene, with residents expressing deep sorrow over the loss of young lives.

Police Issue Warning to Residents

Commissioner Urges Vigilance and Public Cooperation

The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He also issued a strong warning to members of the public — especially children — to avoid touching or playing with unfamiliar objects, particularly in areas previously affected by insurgency.

Akahi News gathered that the police emphasised the importance of promptly reporting suspicious items to the nearest security formation to avert further tragedies.

Security experts who spoke with newsmen noted that despite improved stability in parts of Borno, remnants of explosive devices remain a significant threat, especially in rural communities.

The devastating incident in Banki serves as a painful reminder of the long‑term dangers posed by unexploded devices in conflict‑affected regions. As authorities intensify investigations and community sensitisation, residents continue to mourn the young lives cut short by the explosion. The hope across the community is that increased vigilance and timely reporting will help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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