The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that no fewer than 23 persons were killed, while 146 others sustained varying degrees of injuries following multiple explosions that rocked Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Monday night.
Papers News reports that the deadly blasts, which threw residents into panic, occurred at strategic locations within the city, including the entrance gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, the Monday Market and the Post Office area.
Confirming the casualty figures, the Zonal Coordinator of the NEMA, Surajo Abdullahi, disclosed that a total of 169 victims had been evacuated to different medical facilities across the city.
He gave a breakdown of those receiving treatment at various hospitals.
“108 are currently receiving treatment at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), 20 at Umaru Shehu hospital, and 17 at Maiduguri Specialist hospital,” he said.
Victims of the bomb blast receiving treatment at the Umaru Shehu Hospital, Maiduguri,Borno State.
Emergency responders and security operatives were said to have worked through the night to evacuate victims and stabilise the affected areas.
Residents of the city, many of whom had experienced years of insurgency-related violence, expressed shock over the latest development.
Some described the incident as a painful reminder of the dark days when the city witnessed frequent bombings and attacks.
“Everything has now returned fresh – the fear, and the gory scenes. These multiple blasts have indicated a significant surge in violence in a city that has been peaceful over the years,” Daily Trust quoted a resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, as saying.
Papers News reports that last major attack in Maiduguri occurred in 2021, when insurgents fired mortars that killed at least 10 people.
This was followed by a suicide bomb attack at a mosque in the Gambarou market area, further heightening security concerns at the time.
The latest explosions have, however, raised fresh fears about a resurgence of violence in the region.
Reacting to the incident, the Borno State Police Command said its Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit had been deployed to the affected areas for assessment and clearance operations.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Kenneth Daso, said joint security operatives and emergency responders were actively managing the situation.
He urged residents to remain calm but vigilant as investigations continue.
The explosions occurred barely 24 hours after suspected insurgents reportedly attacked a military location at Ajilari, an outskirt of Maiduguri. Residents were still grappling with the aftermath of the earlier incident when the latest blasts struck, compounding fears and uncertainty across the city.
Authorities say further updates will be provided as investigations progress and more details emerge about the attacks.
