By ZAGAZOLA MAKAMA

The Police Command in Benue has confirmed that seven pupils were injured when a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) went off at a primary school in Ukum Local Government Area of the state.

Sources confirmed on Friday that the incident occurred on Sept. 16 at about 2:00 p.m. at the Local Government Education Authority Primary School, Ater Ayange.

He said the explosion happened when some pupils, who found an object in the school premises, began to play with it without knowing it was an explosive device.

?While playing, the pin of the device was pulled off, causing an explosion that injured seven children,? he said.

The sources said the children were rushed to St. Anthony Hospital, Zaki-Biam, where they were receiving treatment and responding well.

He added that the incident was not immediately reported to the police until Sept. 18, when the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Ukum received information and deployed a patrol ?eam to the school and hospital.

He said the Officer-in-Charge of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit had been deployed to sweep the area for possible detection of other hidden explosive objects and determine the nature of the device.

The police further disclosed that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had commenced an investigation into the incident. (Zagazola, but headline rejigged)

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