Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has condemned in the strongest terms the explosions that occurred in some parts of the metropolis on Monday evening.

Zulum, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj, described the attack as despicable, cruel, and cowardly, targeting innocent people in the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, called for increased vigilance and heightened security measures, particularly in places of worship, as the festive period beckons.

“I am deeply saddened by the explosions that occurred in parts of the metropolis on Monday evening.

My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and those injured as a result of the blast. The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric, and inhumane,” said Zulum.

He added, “The recent surge in attacks is not unconnected with intense military operations in the Sambisa forest and other hideouts of the insurgents.

The governor, therefore, assured people of the state that the military and other security agencies are on top of the situation, as adequate measures have been taken to forestall any security breach in Maiduguri and the entire state.

The Borno State Police Command has confirmed multiple explosions suspected to have been masterminded by Boko Haram/ISWAP suicide bombers at various locations in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Sources said dozens of residents were feared dead and injured.

The confirmation was made by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Keneth Daso. Daso, who was busy in the rescue team at the time of the telephone conversation, said the blasts took place at the gate of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) and the popular Monday Market general area simultaneously.

He said, “It was very difficult to give the actual number of casualties as the rescue mission is ongoing”, but he admitted that many people were killed and injured in the incidents.

He added that as soon as the rescue operations are done, he will state details of the incident. Daso, however, said the Police EOD Unit and Base 13 Maiduguri are on the ground and assessments are ongoing.

He advised residents to avoid the affected areas and remain indoors, while Emergency contact numbers have been released: 0806 807 5581 and 0802 347 3293.

Sources said four blasts took place at about 6:45 pm to 7pm around the popular Monday Market, Kaleri, Post Office and University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital axis, leaving several people dead and injured.

Another security source said that suicide bombers, including a female, carried out some of the blasts. At the same time, the one at the Post Office area erupted from a tricycle (Keke Napep) at the Post Office’s busiest bus stop in the heart of the metropolis.