Bomb Blast at Benue School Reveals Victims' Identities
In the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, at least seven pupils of LGEA Primary School, Ater, were injured in an explosion on Tuesday.
The incident occurred when an explosive device went off while the children were playing with it in a classroom. According to reports, the device is suspected to have been left behind by security operatives during operations against bandits in the area. One of the children reportedly pulled out the device's safety pin, causing the explosion.
The hospital's Managing Director, Rev. Sr. Susan Tonguve, confirmed that the pupils have been stabilized. However, one of them is still battling a severe eye challenge. Three pupils have been discharged from the hospital, while one remains in critical condition.
The injured pupils were taken to St. Anthony's Hospital, Zaki Biam, and one of them was later referred to Makurdi for specialized treatment due to a serious eye injury.
Dr Adamu, the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, lauded the management of St. Anthony's Hospital for their timely response. He also commended the swift intervention of the Ukum LGA Chairman, Jonathan Modi. Dr Adagba, the Executive Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), also visited the hospital to assess the pupils' condition.
Dr Grace Adagba pledged government support, promising to cover the children's treatment and repair damaged school facilities. The parents of the victims, represented by Mr Mnzungwega Yongo, thanked the state government for its prompt intervention.
The LGA Chairman disclosed that investigations are ongoing to trace the source of the explosive. The police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident and deployed an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team to the school.
However, no new information about security officers suspected of leaving explosives in a school in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State was provided in the search results.
