Three young girls lost their lives in Pulka, a town in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, after a grenade exploded while they were playing.
The incident happened around 2:20 p.m. on Thursday. The victims—Fati Dahiru, Aisha Ibrahim, and Fati Yakubu—were believed to be playing with a grenade suspected to have been left behind by Boko Haram insurgents.
According to local sources, the explosion caused serious panic in the area. A joint team of security personnel, including the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit (EOD-CBRN), troops from Operation Hadin Kai, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and local hunters, quickly responded to the scene.
The area was cordoned off and thoroughly searched for other dangerous items, but none were found. Authorities later declared the area safe.
The injured children were rushed to the General Hospital in Gwoza, where doctors confirmed their deaths. Their bodies were later handed over to their families and buried according to Islamic rites.
Security officials have called on residents to remain alert and report any suspicious objects to prevent future tragedies.
Borno State has suffered from over a decade of conflict due to the Boko Haram insurgency, which has left behind many hidden explosives, especially in rural communities.