Seven pupils were injured in a Benue school explosion caused by an IED in Ukum LGA. Police and EOD teams are investigating the blast.
The Benue school explosion that struck Ukum Local Government Area on September 16, 2025, has left families shaken and renewed fears about insecurity in the state.
At around 2:00 p.m., a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) went off at the Local Government Education Authority Primary School, Ater Ayange.
Witnesses said some pupils discovered an unusual object on the school grounds and, mistaking it for a toy, began to play with it. Unfortunately, the pin was pulled, triggering a blast that injured seven children.
The victims of the Benue school explosion were quickly taken to St. Anthony Hospital in Zaki-Biam.
Medical officials reported that the children sustained various injuries but were responding positively to treatment.
A mother of one of the injured pupils, speaking at the hospital, expressed both relief and anger: “We thank God our children survived, but schools are supposed to be safe, not places where bombs go off.”
Although the explosion happened on September 16, it was not reported to the police until September 18.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ukum only received the alert two days later and immediately deployed a patrol team to the school and hospital.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama confirmed the incident and warned that the delay in reporting was dangerous.
He urged communities to notify authorities immediately whenever they come across suspicious objects.
Following the Benue school explosion, the police dispatched the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit to sweep the school environment for other hidden devices.
Their mission is to detect potential threats, ensure the area is safe for pupils, and determine the exact type of explosive that caused the blast.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has also opened a probe into the matter. Investigators are working to establish how the device ended up in the school and whether it was deliberately planted or accidentally abandoned.
The blast has reignited fears in Benue State, a region long affected by communal clashes, banditry, and violent confrontations.
The discovery of an IED in a primary school is a particularly alarming development, raising questions about the safety of children in conflict-prone areas.
Community leaders in Ukum are urging the government to prioritize school security. They warn that without urgent intervention, more tragedies may occur.
Authorities have used the incident to caution residents against handling suspicious items. A senior police officer explained:
“Explosives can sometimes resemble ordinary objects. Children, in particular, are vulnerable because they don’t recognize the danger. People must report strange objects immediately to avoid accidents.”
Security experts believe the presence of explosives in civilian areas could be linked to past clashes or criminal activity.
They warn that unless systematic clearance operations are carried out, more hidden devices could pose risks.
Civil society groups have called on the Benue State Government to collaborate with security agencies in protecting schools.
Recommendations include:
Deploying security officers around vulnerable schools.
Training teachers and pupils on safety awareness.
Conducting routine sweeps in communities previously affected by violence.
Residents of Ater Ayange expressed outrage and fear after the Benue school explosion. While grateful that no lives were lost, they demand stronger safety measures to prevent another tragedy.
A community elder said: “We cannot allow this to happen again. Our schools must be safe, and the government must work with us to protect our children.”
As investigations continue, the injured children are gradually recovering at the hospital. Authorities have promised a thorough inquiry and assured the public that schools will not be left vulnerable.
For families in Ukum, the incident is both a painful memory and a call to action. The Benue school explosion has underlined the urgent need for vigilance, better security coordination, and proactive steps to ensure schools remain safe spaces for learning and growth.
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