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Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has condemned the explosion that rocked parts of Maiduguri on Monday evening, describing the attack as a cruel act targeting innocent civilians during the holy month of Ramadan.
Zulum, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj, expressed sorrow over the incident and extended his sympathies to the victims and their families.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, the governor said he was deeply distressed by the blasts and described the attack as barbaric and inhumane.
He also noted that the recent increase in attacks could be linked to intensified military operations against insurgents in the Sambisa Forest and other hideouts.
“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 act is utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane,” Zulum said.
The governor assured residents that the military and other security agencies were taking necessary steps to contain the situation and prevent further security breaches in Maiduguri and across the state.
He urged residents to remain calm, continue their daily activities, and promptly report any suspicious movements to security agencies.
He also called for greater vigilance, especially in public spaces and places of worship, as the Eid celebrations approach.
Earlier reports indicated that an unspecified number of people were killed and several others injured following explosions near Monday Market in Maiduguri and at the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
Sources said the blasts occurred almost simultaneously at about 7:02 p.m.
The Head of Operations of the Federal Fire Service in Borno State, Mohammed Kafaran, confirmed the incident, stating that emergency teams had been dispatched to the scene to assess the situation.
Eyewitnesses reported that several injured victims had been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, while some bodies were seen at the site of the explosion.
The Borno State Police Command also confirmed the incident and urged residents to remain vigilant.
Police spokesperson ASP Nahum Daso said joint security operatives and emergency responders had been deployed to the affected areas, including the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit.
He advised residents to stay calm and avoid the affected locations while security agencies continue their assessments and investigations.
