Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has blamed Monday’s bomb explosions in parts of Maiduguri, the state capital on intense military operations in the Sambisa forest and other hideouts of the insurgents.
Newsmata.com.ng reports that several persons were killed while many others sustain varying degrees of injury following simultaneous bomb explosions around Monday Market in Maiduguri and at the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).
Condemning the explosions that occurred in parts of the metropolis which he said targeted innocent people in the holy month of Ramadan, Zulum, who is away in Saudi Arabia on lesser Hajj, described the attacks as “despicable, cruel, and cowardly”.
In a statement, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, called for increased vigilance and heightened security measures, particularly in places of worship, as the Eid period approaches.
Zulum said, “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’.
According to him, “The recent surge in attacks is not unconnected with intense military operations in the Sambisa forest and other hideouts of the insurgents.”
The governor assured people of the state that the military and other security agencies were on top of the situation, as adequate measures had been taken to forestall any security breach in Maiduguri and the entire state.
He called on residents to remain calm, go about their usual activities, and report any suspicious movement or activity to security agencies.
Confirming the incident, the Head of Operations, Federal Fire Service in Borno State, DSF Mohammed Kafaran, said the agency had deployed its team to the scene.
Kafaran said, “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.
Eyewitnesses told PUNCH that many of the injured victims had been evacuated to hospitals.
“There were dead bodies on the ground. Many persons with wounds have been rushed to the Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri,” one witness said.
The Borno State Police Command also confirmed the attack, calling for increased vigilance.
The spokesman of the command, Nahum Daso, assistant superintendent of police, (ASP) in a terse statement, said, “Following reports of a suspected explosion at Maiduguri Monday Market and UMTH gate at about 7:20pm, joint security operatives and emergency responders have been deployed. Police EOD Unit, Base 13 Maiduguri, is on ground.
“Residents are advised to remain calm and avoid the area while assessments continue. Further updates shortly”.