Many feared dead as explosions rock crowded areas in Maiduguri

Several people are feared dead after multiple explosions rocked crowded areas of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Monday.

The blasts occurred at four locations across the city, including the Post Office area, El-Kanemi Roundabout near Monday Market, the vicinity of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), and the Keleri neighbourhood.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, warned residents to avoid crowded places as security agencies respond to the situation.

In a post on his Facebook handle, Daso said: “To minimise risks, avoid crowded areas. Your cooperation is appreciated. For your safety, please stay close to home and be cautious of unknown individuals in your surroundings.

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“Following recent security incidents in some parts of Borno State, we understand the fears and tensions among residents.

“The Borno State Police Command, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, is on alert and taking necessary measures. We urge the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and report any suspicious activities to the nearest security formation.”

An eyewitness, Salisu Yusuf Mohammed, told Nigerian Tribune that many people were wounded in the blast near the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

He said the injured victims were rushed to the hospital’s Emergency and Trauma Centre for treatment.

Another eyewitness, Yakubu Mohammed, who was at the Monday Market area when the explosion occurred, said several people were killed but he could not confirm the exact number.

“I saw many people lying on the ground after the explosion, but I left the place crying,” he said.

Doctors and health workers are calling on residents to donate blood to save the lives of the wounded admitted to the Emergency and Trauma Centre of UMTH.