MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — Bombs exploded in at least three locations in northeastern Nigeria’s Borno state Monday night, resulting in scores of casualties, according to emergency services. The blasts are suspected to be the work of suicide bombers.
Details of the Attacks
The explosions occurred in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, a city that has experienced over a decade of insurgency from Boko Haram extremists. Specifically, the blasts took place at the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and at two local markets – Post Office and Monday Market – as reported by Sirajo Abdullahi, head of operations at Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
As of Monday, authorities were still assessing the full extent of the damage and the number of victims. “There are casualties and they are still managing the causalities at the hospital,” Abdullahi stated. “We can’t give the actual figure until we count.”
Eyewitness Bagoni Alkali reported bringing wounded individuals to the hospital for treatment. Mohammed Hassan, a volunteer assisting security forces, evacuated 10 bodies from the affected markets.
Recent Security Developments
The blasts followed earlier reports that the Nigerian military had repelled attacks by suspected Islamic militants on the outskirts of Maiduguri. Attacks in Maiduguri have been relatively rare in recent years, following military operations in the region. However, this month has seen intensified attacks targeting Nigeria’s military bases in the northeast, with Boko Haram and one of its factions being blamed.
As of Tuesday, no group has claimed responsibility for the bombings.
Official Response
Borno’s Governor Babagana Umara Zulum condemned the explosions, calling the act “utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane.” He urged residents to remain calm and report any suspicious activity to security agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the explosions occur?
The explosions occurred at the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and at two local markets, known as Post Office and the Monday Market, in Maiduguri, Borno state.
Has any group claimed responsibility?
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the suspected bombings.
What is the current status of casualties?
Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the casualties, but over 200 people have been reported injured, and an unknown number have died.
As investigations continue, it remains to be seen what impact these attacks will have on the security situation in Borno state and the broader region.
