Hand grenade

Police authorities in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State say four children were killed and two others injured in a grenade explosion in Aweil North County last week.

According to Northern Bahr el Ghazal State police spokesperson Madut Ngong, the six children were reportedly playing with a grenade near a military post in Kiir Adem, thinking it was a toy, when it exploded.

Speaking to Eye Radio this morning, Madut Ngong said three children died instantly at the scene, while three others were injured.

“A grenade exploded among six children in a military area in Kiir Adem. The children were playing with the grenade when it exploded, killing three children on the spot. Three others were injured, and one later died after being taken to hospital. Two children remain in hospital receiving treatment and four are already died,” he said.

One of the injured children later died after being taken to hospital, leaving two others still receiving treatment.

The police spokesperson blamed the incident on the unsafe handling and storage of weapons and explosives in areas accessible to children.

“The blame goes to the Army who allowed the children to access the grenade inside a military area. There are clear instructions that children should not play with weapons and that guns or explosives should not be left carelessly in homes or places where children can find them,” he added.

He said authorities have instructed security personnel and civilians not to leave weapons where children can reach them.