Multiple bomb explosions rocked Maiduguri on Monday evening, leaving at least 23 people dead and 108 others injured in what security agencies described as coordinated attacks by suspected suicide bombers.
The explosions occurred at about 7:05 p.m. at three busy locations — Monday Market, the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office flyover — during the Iftar period when many residents were breaking their Ramadan fast.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Borno State Command, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, said preliminary findings pointed to suicide bombers behind the attacks.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the incidents were carried out by suspected suicide bombers,” the statement read.
He added, “Regrettably, a total of twenty three (23) persons lost their lives, while one hundred and eight (108) others sustained varying degrees of injuries.”
Security forces, including Police Tactical Units, the military and other joint operatives, were immediately deployed to the affected areas. The locations were secured and swept by the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit to eliminate further threats.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Naziru Abdulmajid, visited the scenes for an on-the-spot assessment, commiserating with victims and their families.
“He… assured the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property,” the police spokesperson said.
Victims were evacuated by emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency and the State Emergency Management Agency, to various medical facilities where they are receiving treatment.
Authorities said normalcy has since been restored, although security presence has been intensified across the city.