…UMTH, Monday Market, Post Office hit
Many people are feared dead and several others injured after three loud explosions rocked Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Monday evening.
BusinessDay gathered that the explosions occurred almost simultaneously at about 7:15 p.m. within the Maiduguri metropolis.
One of the explosions reportedly occurred at the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).
The second explosion was reported in the busy Monday Market area, while the third occurred near the Post Office in Maiduguri.
The exact number of casualties had yet to be ascertained at the time of filing this report, though several people were said to have sustained injuries.
“Many people lost their lives, but the figures are not readily available now. We are under siege,” a Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) member told BusinessDay.
Commenting on the incident, Shehu Ahmed, Coordinator of the Network of Civil Society Organisations, lamented the multiple blasts in the city.
“This is very unfortunate. We are returning to the dark old days. May Allah bring an end to this carnage. For how long are we going to live with this?” he said.
Residents of Maiduguri have been advised to remain calm but vigilant following the explosions at the Monday Market and the UMTH gate.
The Borno State Police Command confirmed the incidents, which occurred at about 7:20 p.m., and assured that joint security operatives and emergency responders had been deployed to the scenes.
According to a statement, the police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit and Base 13 Maiduguri are on the ground, while assessments are ongoing. Residents were also advised to avoid the affected areas.
When contacted, Suraj Garba Abdullahi, Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for Borno and Yobe states, described the incident as unfortunate, noting that several people had been injured.
“This is an unfortunate incident, and it is sad. Many people have been rushed to the hospital, and we are still working with other critical stakeholders, but I cannot confirm the casualty figures now,” he said.
Zulum condemns blasts
Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has condemned the explosions that occurred in parts of the Maiduguri metropolis on Monday evening.
Zulum, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj, described the attack as despicable, cruel and cowardly, noting that innocent people were targeted during the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, the governor called for increased vigilance and heightened security measures, particularly in places of worship and other public places 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,” Zulum said.
He added that the recent surge in attacks may be linked to intensified military operations in the Sambisa Forest and other insurgent hideouts.
The governor assured residents that the military and other security agencies were on top of the situation and that adequate measures had been taken to prevent further security breaches in Maiduguri and across the state.
He also urged residents to remain calm, go about their normal activities, and report any suspicious movement or activity to security agencies.
