Bomb Explosions Rock Maiduguri’s Monday Market, Hospital Gate

Pandemonium enveloped Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State, on Monday evening when bomb explosions rocked the Elkanemi area of the popular Maiduguri market.

The second explosion reportedly occurred at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) entrance checkpoint, while the third blast occurred in the Post Office area of the capital city.

Several of the wounded in the explosion have been taken to both State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri, as well as to the UMTH, while the number of dead is yet to be ascertained.

It is not known yet  whether the bombs were planted at the scene of the attacks or were carried out by suicide bombers.

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has condemned  the bombings.

Zulum, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj, described the attacks as despicable, cruel, and cowardly, targeting innocent people in the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, the Governor called for increased vigilance and heightened security measures, particularly in places of worship, as the festive period beckons.

“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,” said Zulum.

He added, “The recent surge in attacks is not unconnected with intense military operations in the Sambisa forest and other hideouts of the insurgents.

The Governor, therefore, assured people of the state that the military and other security agencies are on top of the situation, as adequate measures have been taken to forestall any security breach in Maiduguri and the entire state.

He called on residents to remain calm, continue their usual activities, and report any suspicious movements to security agencies.

Borno State Police Command has advised residents of Maiduguri to remain calm but vigilant following the bomb explosions at the Monday Market and UMTH gate on Monday evening.

Confirming the explosions which occurred around 7:20pm, the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nahum Kenneth Daso, assured residents that joint security operatives and emergency responders have been deployed to the scenes.

He said,”The Police EOD Unit and Base 13 Maiduguri are on the ground, and assessments are ongoing.

“Residents have been advised to avoid the areas. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.”