The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that 23 people were killed and 108 others injured following multiple bomb explosions in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The attacks occurred on Monday, at three locations across the city, in what authorities described as coordinated incidents carried out by suspected suicide bombers.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Borno State, Nahum Daso, confirmed the casualty figures in a statement issued on Tuesday.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that suspected suicide bombers carried out the incidents. Regrettably, 23 persons lost their lives, while 108 others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” Mr Daso said.
He added that security operatives were immediately deployed to secure the affected areas and conduct sweep operations.
“The scenes were secured and subjected to thorough checks by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit to rule out additional threats,” he said.
The explosions occurred at three major locations in Maiduguri — the Monday Market, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital gate, and the Post Office Flyover area.
Authorities said the attacks took place at about 7:24pm, causing panic among residents and disrupting activities in the metropolis.
Following the blasts, a joint team comprising police, the military, and other security agencies swiftly moved to cordon off the affected areas and prevent further incidents.
Emergency responders evacuated victims to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Agencies involved in the rescue operation included the National Emergency Management Agency and the State Emergency Management Agency.
Police authorities said normalcy has since been restored in the affected areas, while security presence has been intensified across Maiduguri to prevent further attacks.
Government Response
The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, condemned the attack, describing it as “despicable, cruel, and cowardly.”
In a statement issued by his media aide, the governor expressed sympathy for the victims and their families.
“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,” Mr Zulum said.
He attributed the recent surge in attacks to intensified military operations against insurgents in the Sambisa forest and other strongholds.
Background
Maiduguri and other parts of Borno State have faced recurring attacks linked to insurgent activities in Nigeria’s North-East.
Security agencies have continued operations to dismantle insurgent networks, but sporadic attacks still occur, particularly in densely populated areas.
Authorities say investigations into the latest incident are ongoing, with efforts underway to identify and bring those responsible to justice.
Discover more from VOICE OF THE PEOPLE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
