Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has strongly condemned the deadly explosions that struck Maiduguri, describing the incident as a cruel and cowardly act against innocent residents.
The explosions, which occurred on Monday evening, left 23 people dead and 108 others injured, according to the Borno State Police Command.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, the governor expressed deep sadness over the attack, noting that it happened during the holy month of Ramadan.
Zulum, who is currently in Saudi Arabia performing the Lesser Hajj, extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and those who sustained injuries in the explosions.
“I am deeply saddened by the explosions that occurred in parts of the metropolis on Monday evening. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and those injured as a result of the blast,” the governor said.
He described the attack as “utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane.”
According to the police, the explosions occurred at about 7:24 p.m. at different locations across the Maiduguri metropolis. The affected areas include the Maiduguri Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover area.
Preliminary investigations by security agencies revealed that the attacks were carried out by suspected suicide bombers using improvised explosive devices.
The blasts caused panic across the city as residents fled the affected areas while emergency responders rushed to rescue victims.
Following the explosions, a joint team of police tactical units, the military, and other security agencies were deployed to the affected areas to restore order and strengthen security.
The police said the scenes of the explosions were immediately secured and cordoned off to allow for proper investigation.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit also conducted sweep operations around the blast locations to ensure there were no additional explosive devices left behind.
The Commissioner of Police in Borno State, Naziru Abdulmajid, visited the affected areas to assess the situation and monitor the ongoing response by security agencies.
He also commiserated with victims and their families while assuring residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
Emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency and the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, evacuated injured victims to nearby hospitals where they are currently receiving treatment.
Authorities said those injured in the explosions are receiving medical care, although the identities of the victims have not yet been officially released.
Governor Zulum urged residents of Maiduguri and surrounding communities to remain calm but vigilant despite the incident. He appealed to members of the public to cooperate with security agencies and promptly report any suspicious movements or activities in their neighbourhoods.
The governor also advised residents to be particularly watchful around crowded public places such as markets, mosques and transport hubs.
Zulum suggested that the renewed attacks could be a reaction to ongoing military operations targeting insurgents in the Sambisa Forest and other hideouts in the region.
According to him, the intensified operations by the military may have increased pressure on insurgent groups operating in the area.
The Borno State Police Command said security presence has been increased across Maiduguri and surrounding communities to prevent further attacks.
Joint security operatives are now carrying out patrols and surveillance in strategic areas across the city to ensure safety.
The police also assured residents that normalcy has been restored in the affected locations following the explosions.
Authorities added that investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the attacks and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Residents were urged to remain alert and continue supporting security agencies by reporting suspicious activities or objects within their communities. Security officials also commended residents for their cooperation and resilience during the emergency response.
