Explosions at market and hospital areas during evening hours in Maiduguri leave dozens feared dead and scores injured.
Multiple explosions struck Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Monday evening, with many people feared killed and several others injured.
The explosions, believed to have been caused by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by suspected ISWAP and Boko Haram terrorists, occurred at different locations across the city.
Sources said the blasts happened around 7:00pm at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), the Post Office area, and the Monday Market, all of which were crowded at the time.
Although the exact number of casualties has not been confirmed, eyewitnesses reported that many victims were injured and rushed to nearby hospitals.
The injured were evacuated to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri Specialist Hospital, and Umaru Shehu Hospital for treatment.
A relative of one of the victims said the explosion occurred while people were breaking their fast during the Ramadan period.
“We were breaking our fast when we heard a loud sound. I saw many people on the ground. It happened in a crowded market as people were trying to leave,” he said.
Confirming the incident, the Borno State Police Command said its Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit had been deployed to affected areas, including the Monday Market and the UMTH gate.
The police spokesperson, Nahum Daso, urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, adding that security agencies and emergency responders were already on the ground.
He said the incident occurred at about 7:20pm, noting that assessments were ongoing.
“Residents have been advised to avoid the affected areas. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available,” he said.
Security agencies also released emergency contact numbers and advised the public to report suspicious activities.
The attack comes amid renewed efforts by security forces to curb insurgency in the region.
Recent operations by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, supported by the police and the Civilian Joint Task Force, had repelled an attempted terrorist infiltration in Ajilari community, on the outskirts of Maiduguri.
Reacting to the development, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the explosions, describing them as “despicable, cruel and cowardly.”
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, the governor—who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj—expressed sympathy for the victims.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and those injured. The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane,” Zulum said.
He attributed the recent surge in attacks to intensified military operations against insurgents in the Sambisa Forest and other hideouts.
Zulum assured residents that security agencies were on top of the situation and had taken measures to prevent further attacks.
He called on residents to remain calm, continue their daily activities, and report any suspicious movements to authorities.
