LAGOS MARCH 17TH (NEWSRANGERS)-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.
Meanwhile, the military, under the Operation HADIN KAI, confirmed the attacks and linked them to suspected Boko Haram terrorists.
In a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the task force described the incidents as coordinated suicide bombings targeting crowded civilian areas.
“The cowardly attacks targeted crowded public areas in an attempt by the terrorists to inflict mass casualties and create panic within the metropolis,” the statement said.
According to the military, troops working with the police EOD team and other security agencies responded swiftly to secure the scenes and prevent further casualties.
Emergency teams evacuated the injured to hospitals including the General Hospital, Specialist Hospital and UMTH for urgent medical attention.
“Medical teams are currently attending to injured victims at various health facilities across the city, while emergency responders continue rescue and evacuation efforts,” the statement added.
The military further disclosed that intelligence suggested multiple suicide bombers may have been deployed into the city to carry out coordinated attacks.
“Security forces have therefore intensified surveillance, patrols and counter-IED measures across the metropolis to track down any remaining suspects and prevent further attacks,” it stated.
Both the police and military urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, avoid crowded places where possible, and report any suspicious movements or objects to security agencies.
The police also provided emergency contact numbers: 08068075581 and 08023473293.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to restoring and maintaining peace, while investigations continue to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.
National Accord
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