At least 23 persons have been confirmed dead, and 108 others left injured following a series of suicide bomb attacks in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Monday evening.
The explosions took place in busy areas of the city, causing panic among residents and leaving many victims fighting for their lives in hospitals.
The coordinated attacks are believed to have been executed by suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers, targeting crowded locations such as the Monday Market, the main entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), and the Post Office Flyover.
However, some residents have suggested that the actual death toll may exceed the official count, estimating that over 40 people, including the attackers, may have died as some injured victims later succumbed to their injuries.
In a statement released early Tuesday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Kenneth Daso, confirmed the tragedy, describing it as devastating.
He confirmed that preliminary investigations indicate that the attacks were carried out by suspected suicide bombers.
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“Unfortunately, 23 people lost their lives, and 108 others were injured to varying extents. The explosions occurred around 7:24 pm, prompting an immediate response from security forces.
“In the aftermath, a joint team of police tactical units, military personnel, and other security agencies was dispatched to the affected areas, which were quickly secured and cordoned off.
“The Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit conducted thorough checks to ensure there were no further threats,” he said.
Daso added that the state Police Commissioner, Naziru Abdulmajid, visited the sites for an on-the-ground assessment, expressing condolences to the victims and their families, while assuring residents of ongoing efforts to protect lives and property.
Emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) transported the injured to nearby hospitals, where many are currently receiving treatment for various injuries.
Authorities have confirmed that calm has returned to the affected areas, although security measures have been significantly heightened throughout Maiduguri and its surrounding communities.
In response to the attacks, the headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), ‘Operation HADIN KAI,’ characterized the attacks as a calculated effort by terrorists to inflict mass casualties and instill fear among the populace.
In a statement from its Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the task force noted that troops collaborated closely with the police EOD teams and other agencies to secure the sites and aid in rescue operations.
He urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, to avoid crowded areas when possible, and to report any suspicious activities or objects to the authorities.
Officials also assured that efforts are underway to trace those responsible for the attacks.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has condemned the explosion that rocked parts of Maiduguri metropolis on Monday evening, describing the attack as cruel and cowardly.
Gov. Zulum, who is currently in Saudi Arabia performing the Lesser Hajj (Umrah), said he was deeply saddened by the incident, which he noted targeted innocent civilians during the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, the governor condemned the attack in strong terms and urged residents to remain vigilant, particularly in places of worship and other public gathering points as the festive period approaches.
“I am deeply saddened by the explosions that occurred in parts of the metropolis on Monday evening.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and those injured as a result of the blast. The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric, and inhumane,” Gov. Zulum said.
The governor noted that the recent spike in attacks may be linked to ongoing military operations against insurgents in the Sambisa Forest and other hideouts in the region.
He, however, reassured residents that the military and other security agencies remain on top of the situation and have taken adequate measures to prevent further security breaches in Maiduguri and across the state.
Gov. Zulum called on residents to remain calm and continue their normal activities, while urging them to report any suspicious movements or activities to security agencies to help maintain peace and safety in the state.
