Zulum Condemns Maiduguri Explosions, Urges Vigilance

Zulum Condemns Maiduguri Explosions, Urges Vigilance

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has condemned the bomb explosions that rocked parts of Maiduguri on Monday evening, describing the attack as cruel and cowardly.

Zulum, who is currently in Saudi Arabia performing the lesser Hajj, expressed sadness over the incident and extended his condolences to the victims and their families.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, the governor called for increased vigilance and tighter security measures across the state, particularly in mosques and other public places, as the Eid celebrations approach.

“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.

He suggested that the recent attacks could be linked to intensified military operations against insurgents in the Sambisa forest and other hideouts in the region.

“The recent surge in attacks is not unconnected with intense military operations in the Sambisa forest and other hideouts of the insurgents,” the governor added.

Zulum, however, assured residents that the military and other security agencies were on top of the situation, stressing that adequate measures had been put in place to prevent further security breaches in Maiduguri and other parts of the state.

He urged residents to remain calm, continue their lawful activities and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies.

Meanwhile, National Periscope had earlier reported that many people were feared dead while several others sustained injuries after two explosions struck parts of Maiduguri on Monday evening.

The blasts reportedly occurred almost simultaneously around the bustling Monday Market area and near the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), triggering panic across several neighbourhoods of the Borno State capital.

Witnesses said the explosions occurred shortly after iftar, between about 6:45 p.m. and 7:20 p.m., with loud bangs heard around Monday Market, Kaleri, the Post Office area and the hospital axis.

Some eyewitnesses said victims were seen lying on the ground while others who sustained injuries were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

“There were dead bodies on the ground. Many persons with wounds have been rushed to the Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri,” one resident said.

Confirming the incident earlier, the Head of Operations of the Federal Fire Service in Borno State, DSF Mohammed Kafaran, said emergency teams had been deployed to the scene.

“Yes, there was a bomb explosion at Monday Market area around Elkenemi. We have deployed a team there to take reports. We will get back to you shortly,” he said.

The Borno State Police Command also confirmed the incident and said security operatives had been deployed to the affected areas.

Police spokesperson ASP Nahum Daso said the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit had been mobilised while assessments were ongoing.

“Residents are advised to remain calm and avoid the area while assessments continue. Further updates shortly,” the police spokesman said.

The explosions sparked widespread panic in Maiduguri, with many residents reportedly leaving the affected areas for safety.

The development came less than 24 hours after suspected insurgents reportedly attempted to infiltrate the Kofa community on the outskirts of Maiduguri but were repelled by security forces.