Dozens believed killed as authorities verify explosions in Maiduguri

A rescue team is currently assisting victims of the multiple explosions that rocked Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, with the Borno State Police Command confirming that the blasts are suspected to have been carried out by Boko Haram/ISWAP suicide bombers at various locations.

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Dozens of residents are feared dead and injured, according to sources, with the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Keneth Daso, confirming the incident in a telephone conversation.

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Daso, who was part of the rescue team at the time of the conversation, stated that the blasts occurred simultaneously at the gate of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) and the popular Monday Market general area.

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The actual number of casualties is still unknown, as the rescue mission is ongoing, but Daso admitted that many people were killed and injured in the incidents.

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Daso added that once the rescue operations are complete, he will provide further details of the incident, and noted that the Police EOD Unit and Base 13 Maiduguri are on the ground assessing the situation.

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Residents have been advised to avoid the affected areas and stay indoors, with emergency contact numbers 0806 807 5581 and 0802 347 3293 released for those in need of assistance.

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According to sources, four blasts took place between 6:45 pm and 7 pm around the popular Monday Market, Kaleri, Post Office, and University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital axis, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.

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Some of the blasts were carried out by suicide bombers, including a female, while another blast at the Post Office area was caused by a tricycle (Keke Napep) at the busiest bus stop in the area.

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Following the explosions, residents rushed home for safety, while ambulances evacuated casualties to UMTH, State Specialist Hospital, Umaru Shehu UltraModern Hospital, and other emergency medical facilities.

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Security agencies have blocked major highways and entrances to public and private ventures to prevent further attacks, which come less than 24 hours after insurgents infiltrated Kofa community on the outskirts of Maiduguri, but were repelled.

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A survivor of the Post Office area blast, Ali Abba, expressed his condolences, saying "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un" and calling for Allah's mercy on the victims and quick healing for those injured.

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Abba described the incident as "deeply painful" and occurring during the sacred month of worship, and prayed for Allah's protection and comfort for the families of those affected, as well as peace and security for the community.