Many feared dead, injured as explosions rock Maiduguri

Police deploy EOD to UMTH, Monday Market

Zulum condemns incident, urges vigilance during Ramadan

Emeka Agu with agency reports

Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, was on Monday evening, rocked by three explosions, leaving an unspecified number of people feared dead and several others injured.

This came less than 24 hours after suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked Ajilari community at the outskirts of Maiduguri.

Sources said the blasts occurred between about 6:45 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., with loud explosions reportedly heard around the Monday Market, Kaleri, Post Office and University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital areas.

Though the number of casualties was still sketchy as at press time, some eye witnesses said an unspecified number of persons were feared dead, while many others sustained injuries following bomb explosions.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Nahum Daso, confirmed the incidents.

According to him, preliminary reports revealed the explosions happened at the Post Office area and the main entrance of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, but he had yet to confirm the one at the Monday market.

“Yes, there were reports of explosions at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital main gate and Post Office area, but the one at Monday Market, I have no information, but I will get back to you as soon as I have it,” Daso said.

He said security operatives have been deployed to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) and the Monday Market following reports of a suspected explosion at the palace.

Daso said joint security operatives and emergency responders had been swiftly deployed to the scene to assess the situation and ensure public safety.

She added that the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit from Base 13, Maiduguri, is already on the ground conducting necessary checks and assessments.

The spokesperson urged residents to remain calm and avoid the area while security agencies continue their operations.

She also advised members of the public to report any suspicious activity through emergency lines: 0806 807 5581 and 0802 347 3293.

Further updates on the situation are expected as assessments continue.

Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has condemned the explosion that occurred in parts of Maiduguri on Monday evening, describing the incident as cruel and cowardly.

Zulum, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj, expressed sadness over the incident, which he said targeted innocent people 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 areas.

 “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 noted that the recent surge in attacks might be linked to ongoing military operations against insurgents in Sambisa Forest and other hideouts.

The governor, however, assured residents that the military and other security agencies were on top of the situation and had put in place adequate measures to prevent further security breaches in Maiduguri and across the state.

Zulum urged residents to remain calm, continue their lawful activities and promptly report any suspicious movement or activity to security agencies.