An unspecified number of people are feared dead and several others injured following Maiduguri bomb explosions that rocked parts of the Borno State capital on Monday evening.
The explosions reportedly occurred around 7:02 p.m. near the popular Monday Market area and close to a security post at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, triggering panic among residents and traders.
Eyewitnesses said the Maiduguri bomb explosions happened almost simultaneously, sending people running for safety as emergency responders rushed to the affected locations.
Confirming the incident, the Head of Operations of the Federal Fire Service in Borno State, Mohammed Kafaran, said officials had been deployed to assess the situation.
He 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.”
Residents who witnessed the incident said several victims were lying on the ground after the blast, while others with injuries were quickly evacuated to nearby hospitals.
“There were dead bodies on the ground, and many persons with wounds have been rushed to the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri,” one witness told reporters.
Another resident, who asked not to be named, described the moment the blast occurred.
“I had just left the post office and was on my way when I heard a loud sound,” the resident said.
Emergency teams continued rescue and assessment operations at the blast sites late Monday as authorities worked to determine the number of casualties and the extent of damage caused by the Maiduguri bomb explosions.
Further details are expected as security agencies and emergency responders continue investigations into the incident.