Seven Pupils Injured in Benue Primary School Explosion

Seven pupils were injured following an explosion at LGEA Primary School, Ater, in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State. The incident occurred on Tuesday when the children came across an unfamiliar object inside one of the classrooms. Believing it to be harmless, several pupils began playing with it before it suddenly detonated.

A resident, identified as Ternenger, told reporters that the children inserted the object into a combustible element, triggering the explosion. He confirmed that no lives were lost, but seven pupils sustained injuries, and part of the school building was damaged. Ternenger suggested the object could have been part of an explosive device left behind by security operatives during a previous clearance operation.

The injured pupils have been identified as Abigail Terseer (Primary Five), William Msaaga and Tyolumun Deborah (both Primary Six), Terseer Mhenuter (Primary Three), Mzungwega Mnengeuter (Primary Two), and Aondohemba Luper (Primary One).

DSP Udeme Edet, spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, confirmed that an Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit had been deployed to secure and assess the site. A delegation from the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management, led by Commissioner Dr Margaret Adamu, visited the school and the injured pupils at St Anthony’s Hospital, Zaki-Biam. She commended Ukum LGA Chairman Jonathan Modi for his swift response and thanked hospital staff for their care, expressing confidence in the children’s recovery.

Chairman Modi, who was away on official duties at the time of the blast, noted that three of the victims were nearly ready for discharge, while one pupil with a serious eye injury would be referred to Makurdi for specialized treatment. Rev. Sr. Susan Tonguve, Managing Director of St Anthony’s Hospital, confirmed all the injured children had been stabilized, with only one requiring further intensive eye care.

Speaking on behalf of the parents, Mzungwega Yongo expressed gratitude to the Benue State Government for its prompt response and support to the affected families.