A man has lost sons in the devastating wave of explosions in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Monday, March 16, 2026.
The blasts, which occurred at multiple locations—including the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), the Monday Market roundabout, and the Post Office area—claimed at least 27 lives and left several others injured.
According to a report by Daily Trust, a trader, Usman Lawan, recounted how his neighbour, identified as Ba Musa, lost all four of his sons in the explosions.
Lawan said the children had gone out to purchase eyeglasses ahead of the Sallah celebrations when they were caught in the blast.
“He bought them new clothes and shoes, and they came to our place to buy eyeglasses for Sallah celebrations. The blast killed all of them. They were buried yesterday,” he said.
He also described his own ordeal, explaining that he had just concluded his Iftar and was pushing his fruit cart when the explosion occurred.
“We finished our Iftar, and I was pushing my fruit cart when the blast happened. I just found myself at the hospital. I lost everything to that attack,” he added.
A security guard at UMTH, who sustained injuries to his arms and legs, narrated how he tried to prevent suspected attackers from entering the hospital premises.
According to him, three individuals arrived on a motorbike and attempted to gain access but were turned away because their appearance was suspicious.
They later returned and allegedly threw an object that detonated shortly after.
“I noticed something suspicious and asked them to leave. They came back and threw a container at me. It hit my hand and fell to the ground. I lay down, and then there was a loud explosion. Another blast followed and struck my leg,” he said.
