A tragic incident rocked LGEA Primary School, Ater, in Aterayange Ward, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. An explosive device detonated in a classroom, leaving seven pupils injured during school hours. The incident has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns about safety in the region.
The affected pupils, unaware of the device’s danger, reportedly discovered it and began playing with it, leading to the explosion. The injured pupils—Abigail Terseer (Primary Five), William Msaaga and Tyolumn Deborah (Primary Six), Terseer Mhenuter (Primary Three), Mzungwega Mnengeuter (Primary Two), and Aondohemba Lupar (Primary One)—were rushed to St. Anthony’s Hospital, Zaki-Biam, for urgent medical care.
The Education Secretary, Ort Felix Tersoo Igbanongo, represented by the Head of Administration and Supply, Mr. Lushima Bem Collins, visited the hospital to assess the victims’ conditions. Similarly, the Executive Chairman of Ukum Local Government Council, Hon. Modi Jonathan, swiftly pledged to cover the medical bills of all injured pupils, expressing deep shock over the incident.
Witnesses, speaking on condition of anonymity, have alleged that the explosive device may have been inadvertently left behind during a military operation targeting bandits in the area. Local accounts suggest that the military had recently conducted activities in the region, and the device is suspected to have been abandoned during the exercise. However, as of press time, no official confirmation has been made regarding the origin of the explosive device.
This tragic incident has sparked outrage and concern among residents and stakeholders, who are calling for a thorough investigation into the matter. Community leaders and parents have urged authorities to ensure safety in schools, particularly in conflict-prone areas, to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
The community awaits further updates as investigations continue, with hopes that measures will be taken to safeguard the region’s children and prevent future tragedies.
