Authorities at Ukum local government area of Benue State are investigating an explosion which injured seven pupils of the LGEA Primary School, Ater on Tuesday.
Chairman of the local government Jonathan Modi said in an interview that the investigation was expected to unravel the source of the explosion.
Speaking to newsmen yesterday, he said, “I was away on official duty when the incident occurred but I immediately directed that the victims should be taken to a good hospital for urgent treatment.”
The injured pupils as gathered by our correspondent include Tyolumun Deborah, Aondohemba Luper, Abigail Terseer, Mzungwega Mnengeuter, Terseer Mhenuter, William Msaaga and Terfa Liam.
Police spokesperson Udeme Edet who confirmed the incident, said the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team had been deployed to the area to assess the environment.
A resident who identified himself as Iorpenda told our correspondent that the incident occurred on Tuesday after some pupils picked an object in one of the abandoned classrooms and began to play with it without knowing it would explode.
According to him, the object was suspected to be a component of an explosive device that was forgotten by security operatives who recently carried out an operation in the area.
“We want to thank God that no life was lost during the explosion, however seven pupils who sustained injuries were taken to St. Anthony Hospital Zakibiam.”
