Following the 1990-1994 liberation war and the aftermath insurgents, the national Police has issued a warning, asking the public to be cautious of explosive devises that could have gone undetected. 

Police Spokesperson, Supt. Eric Kayiranga, said yesterday that there are still unexploded ordnances such as bombs, bullets, shells, grenades and land mines, militarily identified as UXOs/UXBs which pose a risk of detonation, urging the public to be vigilant while handling unknown devices.

The warning comes following incidents of grenade explosions recently, including, last Saturday’s explosion in Nyagatare District that injured 17 people who were participating in a community work, and Sunday’s stick grenade explosion which occurred in Rutsiro District injuring four children who were playing with it.

A number of such explosive devises have also been recovered in several parts of the country, either reported by residents or through operations carried out by security agencies.

"It is believed that a lot of UXO are still in several areas, especially in former war zones of the Eastern Province (Nyagatare), Northern Province (Gicumbi and Rubavu) and in war ravaged areas bordering DRC and pose danger to people residing in these localities,” Kayiranga observed.

"A major problem with unexploded ordnance is that over the years the detonator and main charge deteriorate, frequently making them more sensitive to disturbance, and therefore more dangerous to handle.”

Kayiranga called upon everyone to report any suspicious device to security agencies to prevent deaths or injuries.

Ends