Maiduguri blasts: Victims share harrowing experiences as top military leaders move to Borno state

Survivors of the bomb blasts in Maiduguri, Borno State, recounted their traumatic experiences, describing the multiple explosions as reminiscent of a war situation, with 23 people confirmed dead and 108 injured, according to the Borno State police command.

n

One of the victims, Abacha Mustapha, who sustained injuries, said he was preparing to leave the market when the explosion occurred, and his brother quickly came to his aid, helping to save his life by using a cloth to tie his neck to stop the bleeding.

n

Another survivor, Mohammed Jubril, said the blast deafened him immediately, and he saw many people lying on the floor with injuries, while Hauwa Sanusi appealed for help to locate her missing sister, who had been missing since the blasts.

n

A bricklayer and survivor expressed worry over how his family would get food, being the only breadwinner, and thanked God for sparing his life, despite being injured on his legs and right hand.

n

Nura Bukar, who sustained a minor injury, called on good Samaritans to donate blood, as many victims were in critical condition and needed immediate blood transfusion to save their lives.

n

Aisha Mallum Gana, a victim in the female ward of Umaru Shehu Ultramodern Hospital, said she was preparing to leave the market when the explosion occurred, and she sustained minor injuries on her face and legs.

n

The Chief Medical Director of UMTH, Professor Ahmed Ahijo, said 25 people were confirmed dead, while over 70 were responding to treatment in the hospital, although witnesses put the death toll at over 40.

n

Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Kenneth Daso, said preliminary investigation revealed that the incidents were carried out by suspected suicide bombers, with 23 people losing their lives and 108 others sustaining varying degrees of injuries.

n

The Nigerian Army disclosed that more Boko Haram suicide bombers might be lurking in the state capital, and spokesperson Sani Uba confirmed that suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers masterminded the attacks.

n

President Bola Tinubu ordered service chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri to take charge of the situation, condemning the attacks and describing them as desperate attempts by criminals and terrorist elements to instill fear.

n

Northern governors, led by Gombe State governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, condemned the attacks, describing them as heinous, barbaric, and a direct assault on innocent lives, and expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident.

n

Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, described the attack as barbaric, inhumane, and a direct assault on innocent citizens, and reiterated his commitment to advocating improved security measures across Borno State and the nation.

n

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said the resurgence of terrorism is capable of eroding public confidence in the government's ability to protect its citizens, and called for a review of the government's strategies to address the security challenges.

n

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, expressed sympathy with the victims and their families, and raised concerns about the lack of leadership focus at a critical moment, with President Bola Tinubu exchanging pleasantries with King Charles while Nigerians mourned.