23 killed, 108 injured in Maiduguri bomb blasts
The Borno state police command says 23 people were killed and 108 injured in the multiple bomb blasts that shook Maiduguri on Monday evening.
The bombs went off at the Maiduguri main market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office flyover.
The command spokesman, Nahum Daso, who gave the figures in a statement, said the attacks were carried out by suspected suicide bombers.
“Regrettably, a total of twenty three (23) persons lost their lives, while one hundred and eight (108) others sustained varying degrees of injuries.”
“Following the incidents, a combined team of Police Tactical Units, the Military, and other Joint Security Operatives were swiftly deployed to the affected areas.
“The scenes were immediately secured, cordoned off, and subjected to thorough sweep operations by Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit Base 13 Maiduguri to rule out the presence of any additional threats.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, psc, visited the affected locations to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and to evaluate ongoing response efforts.
“He commiserated with victims and their families, while assuring the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property.”
Daso said victims were promptly evacuated to medical facilities by emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
According to the police, normalcy has been fully restored in the affected areas as investigations continue.
It said a joint security operatives have heightened security presence and surveillance across Maiduguri and its environs to prevent further attacks.
The Police urged members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or objects to the nearest security agency.
