Boko Haram’s Deadly Legacy: Children Killed by Forgotten Explosive in Borno

A devastating tragedy unfolded on Thursday afternoon in Pulka town, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, as a grenade explosion claimed the lives of three innocent children.

The victims — Fati Dahiru, Aisha Ibrahim, and Fati Yakubu — were reportedly playing when they discovered and unknowingly handled a grenade suspected to have been left behind by Boko Haram insurgents. The device exploded at approximately 2:20 p.m., causing fatal injuries.

The heartbreaking incident was confirmed by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, citing a local Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) member, Buba Yaga, who detailed the circumstances leading to the explosion.

A joint emergency response team comprising:

• Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD-CBRN) Unit

• Troops from Operation Hadin Kai

• CJTF operatives, and

• Local hunters

swiftly secured the area, conducted a thorough sweep, and confirmed that no additional explosive devices were present.

The injured children were rushed to Gwoza General Hospital, where doctors pronounced them dead on arrival. Their bodies were later handed over to their grieving families for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

Authorities have since issued a public safety advisory, urging residents to report any suspicious or unfamiliar objects to the nearest security agency immediately. This, they stress, is essential in preventing similar incidents caused by the lingering danger of abandoned explosives in conflict zones.