An explosion at LGEA Primary School, Ater, in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, has left seven pupils injured.

Community members said the incident occurred on Tuesday when the children discovered an unfamiliar object inside one of the classrooms. Mistaking it for a harmless item, some of the pupils began to play with it before it suddenly detonated.

A resident, identified as Ternenger, who recounted the incident by phone on Friday, said the pupils inserted the object into a combustible element, sparking the blast. He stressed that it was not an armed attack on the school but an accident, though part of the building was damaged. Ternenger suggested the object might have been a remnant of an explosive device left behind by security operatives during a past clearance operation.

The injured pupils were 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).

Benue State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed that an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team had been deployed to secure and assess the scene.

A delegation from the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management, led by Commissioner Dr. Margaret Adamu, visited both the school and St. Anthony’s Hospital, Zaki-Biam, where the injured pupils were receiving treatment. Dr. Adamu commended Ukum LGA Chairman, Jonathan Modi, for his swift response and praised hospital staff for their prompt care, expressing confidence in the pupils’ recovery.

Chairman Modi, who was on official duties when the incident occurred, disclosed that three of the victims were nearly ready for discharge, while one with a severe eye injury would be referred to Makurdi for specialised treatment.

Rev. Sr. Susan Tonguve, Managing Director of St. Anthony’s Hospital, confirmed that all the children had been stabilised, with only one requiring further intensive eye care.

On behalf of the parents, Mzungwega Yongo thanked the Benue State Government for its quick intervention and support to the affected families.