By Frank Ulom
MAIDUGURI (CONVERSEER) – At least 23 people have been confirmed dead and 108 others injured following coordinated improvised explosive device (IED) attacks in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The explosions, which occurred at about 7:24 p.m. on Monday, struck three busy locations—the Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), and the Post Office Flyover area.
Preliminary investigation by the Borno State Police Command revealed that the attacks were carried out by suspected suicide bombers. The police described the incident as devastating, with casualties recorded across the affected locations.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, confirmed the casualty figures, stating that “a total of twenty three persons lost their lives, while one hundred and eight others sustained varying degrees of injuries.”
Security operatives, including Police Tactical Units, the military, and other joint teams, were immediately deployed to the scenes. The affected areas were secured and cordoned off, while the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit conducted sweep operations to detect and neutralise any additional threats.
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The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, visited the blast sites for an on-the-spot assessment. He expressed condolences to the victims and their families, assuring residents of intensified efforts to protect 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 across the affected areas, with heightened security presence and surveillance measures in place across Maiduguri and surrounding communities.
The Command added that investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the attacks and to bring those responsible to justice.
Residents have been urged to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious movements or objects to security agencies.
