an UXO found in Juba - August 22, 2013.

A grenade explosion in Yei River County wounded 5 children on Sunday.

A County police official says the children were severely injured in the incident.

Police first lieutenant, James Felix Modi told Eye Radio that the incident happened when the children were playing with the grenade in Hai Dam residential area in Yei.

He called on the public to be extremely cautious with objects that are unknown to them.

“I want to advice the public that, if they come across any metallic object -no matter how small or big it is…they should not touch it or play with it; they should call the authorities or people who know what it is, so that they confirm whether the object is harmful or not,” he urged.

There have been Unexploded Ordinances – UXOs – and landmines in most parts of the country since the 2-decade civil erupted in 1983.

“Even if there is extraction of mines ongoing, these objects cannot all be removed, there are others still underground.”

Felix Modi said the children wounded by the grenade explosion are receiving treatment at Yei Civil Hospital.