Seven pupils have been reportedly injured in an explosion at LGEA Primary School, Ater, in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Witnesses told our correspondent that the incident occurred on Tuesday after some pupils picked up an object they found around the school premises and began playing with it, unaware that it could explode.
A resident of the area, who identified himself simply as Innocent, said the object was suspected to be a component of an explosive device misplaced by security operatives who recently carried out a clearance operation in the area.
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“The children picked it up to play with and inserted it into a combustible element, which led to the explosion. Thankfully, no life was lost but seven pupils sustained injuries. It was not an armed attack targeted at the school, but purely an accident. The blast also damaged part of the school building,” the resident explained.
Another witness gave the names of the pupils as Abigail Terseer, a Primary Five pupil, along with William Msaaga and Tyolumun Deborah, both of Primary Six. Others include Terseer Mhenuter (Primary Three), Mzungwega Mnengeuter (Primary Two), and Aondohemba Luper (Primary One).
He said the pupils found an explosive device in one of the classrooms, presumed to have been left behind by military personnel operating in the area and unaware of its danger, they began to play with it.
“Unfortunately, it exploded, causing damage to the building and leaving the children with varying degrees of injuries,” the witness added.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident, adding that an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was immediately deployed to assess the environment.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Grace Adagba, in company of the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Margaret Adamu, on Thursday visited pupils of the LGEA Primary School, Ater who were involved in the explosion on the school premises.
Speaking during the visit at St. Anthony’s Hospital, Zaki-Biam, Dr. Adagba explained that the delegation was there to assess the condition of the affected pupils, as well as the level of damage to the school. She assured that immediate steps would be taken to commence repairs on the school facility.
“These children are very dear to us and to the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia. We are here to ensure that their situation improves and that they are taken back to school as soon as possible,” she stated.
On her part, Dr. Adamu appreciated the Chairman of Ukum LGA, Modi Jonathan, for his prompt intervention in ensuring the well being of the children.
She also commended the Management of St. Anthony’s Hospital for providing timely medical attention and expressed hope in God for the pupils’ speedy recovery.
Earlier, the chairman Jonathan disclosed that investigations were ongoing to ascertain the source of the explosion.
He explained that he was away on official assignment when the incident occurred but immediately directed that the victims be taken to a good hospital for urgent treatment.
He further revealed that three of the victims were already set to be discharged, while one with a severe eye injury would be referred to Makurdi for specialised care.
The Managing Director of St. Anthony’s Hospital, Rev. Sr. Susan Tonguve, confirmed that the children had been stabilised, with only one still facing a serious eye challenge but assured that the hospital was doing everything possible to treat them effectively.
Responding on behalf of the parents of the affected children, Mnzungwega Yongo, appreciated the Benue State Government for responding immediately to the situation.
Also on the visit team, the Director General of Special Projects, Benue State, Professor Akpen expressed plans to visit the affected school to assess the extent of damage and initiate plans for repairs.
The Chairman, SUBEB, the Commissioner and team cleared all medical bills of the affected pupils and later paid a courtesy call on the Chairman of Ukum as well as the Ukum Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) office.
