Seven students at LGEA Primary School in Ater, Ukum Local Government Area, Benue State, were injured in an unexpected explosion.
On Tuesday, according to residents of the community, the kids found something strange in one of the classrooms. A handful of students started playing with it before it went off unexpectedly because they thought it was innocuous. An anonymous local named Ternenger described what transpired over the phone on Friday.
The kids were playing with something, he explained, when they accidentally put it in a flammable substance, setting off the explosion.
Although fortunately no lives were lost, seven students did suffer injuries. This was not an intentional act of violence against the school; rather, it was an accident. The explosion also caused some damage to the school building.
Security personnel may have unintentionally left behind an explosive device following a previous clearance procedure, according to Ternenger.
Among the injured students were five from Primary: Abigail Terseer, William Msaaga, Tyolumun Deborah, Terseer Mhenuter, Mzungwega Mnengeuter, Aondohemba Luper, and Mzungwega Mnengeuter.
According to DSP Udeme Edet, a spokesman for the Benue State Police Command, an EOD unit was sent to the scene to assess it.
Following their visit to St. Anthony’s Hospital in Zaki-Biam, a group of officials from the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management, headed by Commissioner Dr. Margaret Adamu, paid a subsequent visit to the school and the injured students. She was confident in the children’s complete recovery and commended the hospital staff for their rapid care. She also applauded Ukum LGA Chairman Jonathan Modi for his quick action.
While three patients were nearing discharge, one student with a severe eye damage would be sent to Makurdi for specialised care, according to Chairman Modi, who claimed to have been out on official business when the explosion happened.
Each of the wounded youngsters has been stabilised, with the exception of one who needs additional intensive eye care, according to Rev. Sr. Susan Tonguve, Managing Director of St. Anthony’s Hospital.
According to Mzungwega Yongo, who spoke on behalf of the parents, the Benue State Government responded quickly and provided assistance to the families that were impacted.