An explosive device has claimed the lives of three siblings in Cyumba Sector, Gicumbi District, officials have confirmed. According to Mayor Emmanuel Nzabonimpa of Gicumbi District, the tragic incident occurred at around 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 16 when the children reportedly discovered the explosive while collecting firewood in a nearby forest. Local residents believe the device was a grenade. ALSO READ: 14 students injured in panic after earthquake in Gicumbi Nzabonimpa explained that Gicumbi District, which is near the border with Uganda, is a place where fighting during the liberation war lasted for an extended period. He added that the area is believed to have hosted former bases of the ex-FAR (Forces Armées Rwandaises), which explains why unexploded bombs are still occasionally found, and that such cases are usually handled by the relevant security agencies. Nzabonimpa emphasized that residents, especially those living in border communities, must “remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious objects to local authorities to prevent similar incidents.” The Police Spokesperson for Northern Province, Inspector of Police (IP) Ignace Ngirabakunzi, also confirmed the incident. ALSO READ: RDF destroys tonnes of expired munitions IP Ngirabakunzi expressed condolences to the bereaved family, as he also warned the public against “handling unfamiliar objects”. “Anyone who encounters such items should immediately notify the authorities, “he noted.
