Jalingo, Taraba State – Three children tragically lost their lives in Didango Geita village, Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State due to what is believed to be an accidental discharge from a dane gun, according to the Taraba State Police Command. The incident occurred while the children were playing in a tree, resulting in the deaths of Miracle Danjuma, 11; Liyacheyan Bitrus, 12; and Kefas Bitrus, 11. Four others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Jalingo, the state capital.
Commissioner of Police, David Iloyonomon, refuted claims made by some villagers that the deaths were caused by an explosion from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). He explained that upon investigation, it was revealed that the gunpowder from the dane gun exploded, causing the tragic accident. The police deployed the anti-bomb unit to the scene and confirmed that no evidence of dynamite or IEDs was found.
Further investigation by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (E.O.D) unit revealed that the pellets recovered from the scene are typically used in conjunction with gunpowder to prepare ammunition for dane guns. Statements from Danjuma Audu, who reported the incident to the police, clarified that the children who died were on top of the tree, while the injured ones were on the ground. This evidence dispels any speculation of an IED explosion, as the injuries sustained by the children were consistent with those from a dane gun accident.
The police have cordoned off the scene of the incident and are actively conducting an investigation to uncover more details surrounding the tragic event. The community is in shock and mourning the loss of the young lives, with the injured children receiving medical care. The identities and ages of the injured children – Joseph Danjuma, 8; Leah Aluda, 8; Godbless Hassan, 7; Christian Hassan, 7 – were also disclosed by the Commissioner of Police as part of the ongoing inquiry.
As the investigation continues, authorities are emphasizing the importance of gun safety and proper handling of firearms to prevent similar accidents in the future. The community is coming together to support the affected families during this difficult time, as they grapple with the heartbreaking loss of the three children and the injuries sustained by the others.