An unspecified number of people are feared dead while several others sustained injuries following suspected bomb explosions that rocked parts of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Monday evening.
The explosions reportedly occurred around Monday Market and near a security checkpoint at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
Sources told our correspondent that the blasts happened almost simultaneously at about 7:02 p.m., triggering panic in the busy commercial area and nearby neighbourhoods.
Confirming the development, the Head of Operations of the Federal Fire Service in Borno State, Mohammed Kafaran, said emergency personnel had been dispatched to the affected locations.
“Yes, there was an explosion around the Monday Market area near Elkanemi. Our team has been deployed to the scene to assess the situation. We will provide further updates shortly,” Kafaran said.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that several injured victims were quickly moved to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention.
One witness said some lifeless bodies were seen at the scene while those wounded were rushed to the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri for treatment.
Another resident, who requested anonymity, narrated how the incident unfolded.
“I had just left the post office and was heading home when I suddenly heard a loud blast,” the resident said.
Emergency responders were still carrying out rescue efforts and assessing the extent of damage at the affected locations as of the time of filing this report.
More details later.