In a devastating incident on Saturday afternoon, no fewer than 10 children lost their lives in an explosion that rocked Kidandan Village in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Reports indicate that the children, who had ventured into the bush to collect firewood, returned home with a mysterious object suspected to be an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
The Village Head of Kidandan, Alhaji Abubakar Umar, confirmed the unfortunate incident, expressing gratitude that there were no fatalities but revealing that 10 children sustained injuries. According to him, the injured children have been promptly transported to the hospital for medical treatment, and he is currently compiling their names.
Alhaji Abubakar Umar further mentioned that the Nigeria Police had visited the community to assess the situation as of Saturday evening.
Providing more details on the incident, Hon. Abdullahi Ismail, the Councilor Representing Kidandan Ward, explained that the children discovered the object in the bush while searching for firewood and brought it home, leading to the tragic explosion.
“I was told the children picked the object in the bush when they went looking for firewood. It exploded and injured them badly,” stated Hon. Abdullahi Ismail.
Sources from the community revealed the gruesome extent of the injuries, noting that one victim had their intestine pulped out, while others suffered broken legs and arms.
Despite attempts to obtain confirmation from the Kaduna State Police Command, the Spokesman, ASP Mansir Hassan, did not respond to calls of newsmen . Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the explosion are expected to unfold in the coming days. The community is left grappling with the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident as they mourn the loss of young lives.
