NEWS & POLITICS
Maiduguri Bombings Kill 23 During Ramadan as Suspected Suicide Attacks Hit Northeastern Nigeria
At least 23 people were killed, and more than 100 were injured after multiple explosions rocked Maiduguri, the capital of Nigeria's northeastern Borno State, in what authorities believe were suspected suicide bombings.
Enos Denhere
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (Running Africa) — The attacks occurred Monday evening at some of the city's busiest locations, including the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and two major markets — Post Office Market and Monday Market — shortly after residents had gathered after breaking the Ramadan fast.
According to Sirajo Abdullahi, head of operations at the Nigerian Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Maiduguri, the death toll stood at 23 as of Tuesday, with at least 108 people wounded.
"These areas were crowded at the time of the explosions," Abdullahi said.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as people attempted to flee.
"We were sitting when we suddenly heard a loud explosion, and everyone began running," said Modu Bukar, a resident who helped transport the wounded to the hospital.
Another witness, Mala Mohammed, 31, said confusion worsened as people ran toward nearby areas.
"While people were still trying to escape, the person with the explosive device jumped into the crowd," he said.
Police Deploy Explosives Teams as Investigations Continue
Image: Facebook/Nahum Daso Kenneth
Nigerian police said explosives clearance teams were deployed to three locations across Maiduguri following the blasts. Police spokesperson Nahum Kenneth Daso said preliminary investigations indicate suspected suicide bombers carried out the attacks.
Earlier on Monday, the Nigerian military reported that it had repelled attacks by suspected fighters on the outskirts of the city. However, officials have not confirmed whether the incidents are linked.
No group has claimed responsibility for the bombings.
Tinubu Condemns Attacks, Orders Security Chiefs to Maiduguri
Image: Premium Times
President Bola Tinubu condemned the attacks, calling them "desperate acts by evil terrorist groups" and "profoundly upsetting."
In a statement released Tuesday, Tinubu said he had ordered senior security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri and take direct control of the response.
The attacks have renewed fears of instability in Maiduguri, which had seen relative calm in recent years after military operations pushed insurgents into remote border areas.