By Alkali Muhammad Musa, Maiduguri
At least 23 people have been killed and 108 others injured following multiple explosions that rocked Maiduguri on Monday evening, an attack strongly condemned by Babagana Umara Zulum.
The explosions, suspected to be suicide bomb attacks using improvised explosive devices (IEDs), occurred at about 7:24 p.m. at crowded locations, including the Maiduguri Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover.
Police authorities said preliminary investigations indicate that suspected suicide bombers carried out the coordinated attacks. This was disclosed in a statement by the spokesperson of the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso.
Security agencies, including the police, military, and joint operatives, were swiftly deployed to the affected areas. The sites were secured and thoroughly searched by the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit to prevent further threats.
The Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, visited the scenes to assess the situation and oversee response efforts, while victims were evacuated to hospitals by emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for treatment.
Reacting to the incident, Governor Zulum, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj, described the attack as “despicable, cruel, and cowardly,” noting that it targeted innocent civilians during the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, the governor expressed deep sympathy for the victims and their families, while calling for heightened vigilance, especially in places of worship and other public gatherings.
Zulum attributed the recent surge in attacks to intensified military operations in the Sambisa Forest and other insurgent hideouts, which he said may have triggered retaliatory actions.
He assured residents that security agencies are on top of the situation and have put measures in place to prevent further breaches across the state. The governor urged citizens to remain calm, continue their lawful activities, and report any suspicious movement to security agencies.
Meanwhile, police authorities confirmed that normalcy has returned to the affected areas, with increased security presence and ongoing investigations aimed at apprehending those responsible for the attacks.