Tragedy struck in Tsangaya community in the Gubio Local Government Area of Borno state after six pupils of the Tsangaya Quranic Centre in Gubio town were killed by an Improvised Explosive Device on Saturday, January 27.
According to reports, the incident happened when a metal scavenger unknowingly collected and stored various metallic items in a building near the Tsangaya school. The scavenger collected the IED which was abandoned among other scrap metals undetonated and it exploded at approximately 2 pm, claiming the lives of the Almajirai children while causing severe bodily harm to others.
Metal scavenging had been prohibited in Borno State by Governor Babagana Zulum since July 2023, following reports of alleged vandalism of government facilities in abandoned communities. Justifying outlawing scrap metal scavenging, Professor Zulum pointed out that many scavengers have fallen victim to insurgent attacks while venturing into deserted areas to steal items.