File photo of Federal Fire Service van
Several persons are feared dead, while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries Monday evening following bomb explosions around Monday Market in Maiduguri, Borno State and near a security post at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, UMTH.
According to a report by PUNCH Online, the bombs detonated simultaneously at about 7:02 p.m. on Monday.
The incident was confirmed by the Head of Operations of the Federal Fire Service in Borno State, Mohammed Kafaran, who said the agency had deployed its team to the scene.
Kafaran said, “Yes, there was a bomb explosion at the Monday Market area around Elkanemi. We have deployed our team there to assess the situation. We will get back to you shortly.”
Eyewitnesses also told PUNCH Online that many of the injured victims had been evacuated to hospitals for treatment.
“There were dead bodies on the ground, and many persons with wounds have been rushed to the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri,” one witness said.
Another resident, who refused to be named, recounted the moment the explosion occurred.
“I had just left the post office and was on my way when I heard a loud sound,” the resident said.
Further details are expected as emergency responders continue rescue and assessment operations at the affected locations.