By Peter Omopo
The Borno State Police Command has confirmed that 23 people were killed and 108 others injured following multiple suspected suicide bombings in Maiduguri on Monday evening.
Residents of the city were thrown into panic after several explosions occurred around 7 p.m., shortly after Muslims broke their fast during Ramadan. The attacks are suspected to have been carried out using improvised explosive devices planted by Boko Haram fighters.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the command’s spokesperson, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, said preliminary investigations revealed that suspected suicide bombers carried out coordinated attacks at multiple locations in the state capital.
The affected areas include the Maiduguri Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover area.
According to the police, the incidents occurred at about 7:24 p.m., a time when many residents were observing the breaking of fast. The statement noted that 23 persons lost their lives, while 108 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Following the attacks, a joint team comprising police tactical units, the military and other security agencies was deployed to the affected locations. The areas were immediately secured and cordoned off, while the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit carried out sweep operations to ensure there were no additional threats.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Naziru Abdulmajid, visited the scenes of the attacks to assess the situation and oversee ongoing response efforts. He expressed sympathy to the victims and their families and assured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
Emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency and the State Emergency Management Agency, evacuated the injured to nearby medical facilities where they are currently receiving treatment.
The police said normalcy has been restored in the affected areas, adding that security presence and surveillance have been intensified across Maiduguri and surrounding communities to prevent further incidents.
The command reiterated its commitment to a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice and urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies.
