The Taraba State Police Command has provided clarification on a tragic incident in Didango Geita village, Karim Lamido Local Government Area, where three children lost their lives due to what was initially thought to be an explosion from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
According to the state Commissioner of Police, David Iloyonomon, the unfortunate deaths occurred as a result of a suspected “accidental discharge” from a dane gun, refuting claims of an IED explosion made by some villagers.
Iloyonomon explained that the gunpowder from the dane gun accidentally exploded, leading to the fatalities. The incident happened while the children were playing, with three on a tree and four others on the ground, who sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the state specialist hospital in Jalingo.
“One Danjuma Audu gave the information to the police that there was an explosion which resulted in the death of three youngsters and injury to four others,” stated the CP, highlighting that the police’s anti-bomb unit conducted a thorough search and found no evidence of dynamite or IEDs at the scene.
Further investigation revealed that pellets from the dane gun were responsible for the tragedy. The CP emphasized that the incident was likely an accidental discharge, as there was no assailant involved.
The police boss identified the deceased children as Miracle Danjuma, 11; Liyacheyan Bitrus, 12; and Kefas Bitrus, 11, while the injured include Joseph Danjuma, 8; Leah Aluda, 8; Godbless Hassan, 7; and Christian Hassan, 7.
The police have cordoned off the scene and commenced an investigation to gather more information.
