There is palpable fear in Yanmama village in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State as six persons, mostly minors have been killed by an Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, allegedly planted at farmland near the community.
Multiple sources have told DAILY NIGERIAN that six other victims have been rushed to a nearby hospital after sustaining multiple degrees of injuries.
According to the sources, the victims mistakenly dug out the explosives allegedly buried by suspected bandits in the area.
“The incident happened this morning at the farm of Hussaini Mai Kwai. Many of those affected were the workers working on the farm,” the source said.
Confirming the incident, the Police Command in Katsina State, on Saturday, said five children were killed while six others sustained injuries.
A statement by the command Public Relations Officer, SP Gambo Isah, said: “DPO Malumfashi reported that a loud sound was heard inside the farm of one Alhaji Hussaini Maikwai.
“On receipt of the information, the DPO led Operation Puff Adder to the scene.
“The explosion killed five children that belonged to one Alhaji Adamu of Yammama village in Malumfashi local government area.
“It also injured six other children, who were sitting under the tree inside the farm,” he said.
The police spokesman added that the children went to the farm to cut grass for animals.
Mr Isah said those injured have been taken to Malumfashi General Hospital for medical attention.
He revealed that the scene had been preserved, while detectives from Police EOD and CID are currently conducting investigation.
