23 Killed, 108 injured in Maiduguri suicide bomb attacks – Police

The Borno State Police Command has confirmed that at least 23 persons were killed and 108 others injured following multiple suicide bomb attacks in Maiduguri on Monday evening.

The coordinated explosions, believed to have been carried out by suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers, targeted crowded locations including the Monday Market, the main gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office flyover.

However, sources within the city indicated that the death toll could be higher, with claims that more than 40 people, including the attackers, may have died as some injured victims reportedly succumbed to their wounds.

In a statement issued in the early hours of Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Daso, said the blasts occurred at about 7:24 p.m. and described the incidents as devastating.

He said preliminary investigations showed that the attacks were carried out by suspected suicide bombers, confirming that 23 people lost their lives while 108 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Daso added that a joint team of police tactical units, the military and other security agencies were immediately deployed to the affected areas to secure and cordon off the scenes.

He noted that the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit conducted thorough sweeps of the locations to rule out further threats.

The Commissioner of Police in Borno State, Naziru Abdulmajid, also visited the affected sites for an on-the-spot assessment and expressed condolences to victims and their families.

He assured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

Emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency and the State Emergency Management Agency, evacuated victims to nearby medical facilities where they are currently receiving treatment.

The police said normalcy has been restored in the affected areas, with heightened security presence and surveillance across Maiduguri and its environs to prevent further attacks.

Meanwhile, the Headquarters Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, described the attacks as an attempt by terrorists to inflict mass casualties and create panic among residents.

In a statement issued by its media officer, Sani Uba, the task force said troops, in collaboration with police explosive disposal teams and other security agencies, responded swiftly to secure the affected locations and assist in rescue operations.

The military urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, avoid crowded areas where possible, and promptly report any suspicious persons or objects to security agencies.

Authorities also assured that efforts are ongoing to track down those responsible for the attacks and prevent further incidents, while reiterating their commitment to restoring lasting peace in the region.