Borno Police confirms 23 killed, 108 injured in multiple bomb blasts
BY STEPHEN GBADAMOSI
The Borno State Police Command, on Tuesday, confirmed 23 persons killed and 108 injured at Maiduguri, the state capital, when multiple explosions hit the town on Monday.
The police alleged that suspected suicide bombers carried out the suicide attacks at 7:24 p.m.
The command’s spokesperson, Nahum Daso, an Assitant Superintendent of Police (ASP), said in a statement that preliminary investigations indicated that the explosions were carried out using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by suspected suicide bombers.
Daso said the incidents were carried out at the Maiduguri Central Market, popularly known as Monday Market, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital’s gate, and the Post Office Flyover area of the town.
According to him, a combined team of Police Tactical Units, military personnel, and other joint security operatives was swiftly deployed to the affected areas.
The police spokesperson said the scenes were immediately secured and cordoned off, while the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit conducted thorough sweep operations to ensure no additional threats remained.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Naziru Abdulmajid, visited the scenes for an on-the-spot assessment and commiserated with victims and their families.
Daso, however, assured residents of the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
He said that victims were evacuated by emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, to medical facilities for treatment.
Daso said normalcy had been restored in the affected areas, while security had been heightened across the metropolis to forestall further incidents.
He urged residents to remain calm and vigilant and report any suspicious movements or objects to security agencies.
Daso reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state.
Source: NAN
