Tragedy struck in Pulka town, Gwoza local government area of Borno State on Thursday when a grenade explosion claimed the lives of three children.
The victims were Fati Dahiru, Aisha Ibrahim and Fati Yakubu.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert, a report by Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) member, Buba Yaga, revealed that the children were playing with a grenade suspected to have been abandoned by Boko Haram insurgents when it exploded.
A combined team of Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD-CBRN), troops of Operation Hadin Kai, CJTF and local hunters visited the scene, cordoned off the area, and conducted a sweep for other devices. No other devices were found and the area was declared safe.
The injured children were rushed to the General Hospital, Gwoza, where doctors confirmed them dead. Their bodies have been released to their families for burial in line with Islamic rites.
The authorities urged residents to always promptly report suspicious objects to security agencies to prevent similar tragedies.
