A wave of coordinated bomb explosions has left at least 23 people dead and 108 others injured in Maiduguri, following a devastating attack that struck three key locations across the city on Monday evening.
The explosions, which occurred at about 7:24 p.m., hit the busy Monday Market, the gate area of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover, throwing the city into chaos and fear.
Confirming the casualty figures on Tuesday, the spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, described the incident as a series of suspected suicide improvised explosive device (IED) attacks. He noted that investigations were ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
According to the police statement, the near-simultaneous nature of the blasts suggested a coordinated operation, carefully timed to inflict maximum damage on crowded civilian locations.
Eyewitness accounts painted a grim picture of the aftermath. At the Monday Market, traders and customers were caught off guard as the explosion tore through the area during peak evening activity. Goods were scattered, stalls destroyed, and many victims were left lying injured amid the debris.
At the teaching hospital gate, panic spread quickly as patients, visitors, and staff scrambled for safety following the blast near the security post. The situation created additional strain on emergency services already dealing with casualties from the market explosion.
Meanwhile, the explosion at the Post Office Flyover caused traffic disruption and added to the widespread confusion, as motorists abandoned their vehicles in fear of further attacks.
Emergency responders, including security agencies and medical teams, were swiftly deployed to the affected areas. The injured were evacuated to hospitals across the city, where medical personnel worked through the night to save lives.
The incident has once again raised concerns about the persistent threat of insurgency in Borno State. Although no group has officially claimed responsibility, suspicion is likely to fall on Boko Haram and its affiliates, known for carrying out similar coordinated attacks in the region.
Residents have expressed grief and anger over the renewed violence, calling on authorities to strengthen security measures and prevent further loss of life.
As investigations continue, authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements, while efforts are being intensified to restore calm in the city after one of the deadliest attacks in recent times.
