By Gbenga Akingbule
At least 23 residents were killed on Monday night, while 108 others sustained varying degrees of injuries, after suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers detonated explosives at three different locations in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Spokesman of the Borno State Police Command, Nahum Kenneth Daso, confirmed the incident, which occurred around 7pm. at the crowded Monday Market area, the nearby Post Office area, and the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).
According to a statement released by ASP Daso video message, the situation has been contained by a combined team of Police Tactical Units, the Military, and other Joint Security Operatives who 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.
” Preliminary investigation reveals that the incidents 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.
” 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.” The Borno Police Spokesman said .
Eyewitnesses revealed that dead bodies of suspected boko haram suicide bombers. innocent civilians as well as injured persons were visible at the scenes of the incidents.
Bakura Mohammed, an eyewitness, said “I saw and counted more than three dead bodies and injured persons at the entrance of UMTH ” Adding that ” I had to leave the scene for fear of another explosion. ”
Usman Abdullahi , another eyewitness said the explosion at the Monday Market area was devastating, leaving many people injured while many residents scampered to safety.
” I saw bodies on the ground but I couldn’t tell if were alive or dead. But the injured persons who could move their bodies were rushed to nearby hospital ” Abdullahi said .
Over the past month, attacks by suspected Boko Haram terrorists have intensified across different parts of Borno State, claiming the lives of military commanders, soldiers and raising fears among residents.
The incident attracted the presence to the Chief of Army Staff ( COAS) Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu who had a closed door meeting with top military officers at Headquarters North East Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri.
For now the situation in Maiduguri and its environs seem calm but some residents are skeptical of the security situation of the state capital and are cautious, not wanting to fall victim to a suicide bomber.
” My wife was planning to go to Monday Market, (the biggest market in Borno State) , to shop in preparation for the Sallah celebration, but I cannot allow her to go anymore, because I don’t want to risk her life to a possible suicide bomber.” Umar Ibrahim, a resident of Maiduguri said .
But the police spokesman advised the likes of Ibrahim to ” remain calm and maintain vigilance and call these emergency numbers – 08068075581, 08023473293.”
Meanwhile the the Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum has condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric, and inhumane
” the recent surge in attacks is not unconnected with intense military operations in the Sambisa forest and other hideouts of the insurgents.
” The Governor, therefore, assured people of the state that the military and other security agencies are on top of the situation, as adequate measures have been taken to forestall any security breach in Maiduguri and the entire state.” Comrade Dauda Iliya, Spokesman to the Borno State Governor on Media said .
