12 killed, many injured in Maduguri multiple blasts

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, Keneth Daso in a telephone call with our Correspondent. 

Although, 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 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 would issue a statement regarding details of the incident. Daso, however, said, the Police EOD Unit and Base 13 Maiduguri are on the ground, and assessments are ongoing.

Sources said, four blasts took place about 6:45p.m., to 7p.m., 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, some of the blasts were carried out by suicide bombers, including a female, while that at the Post Office area erupted from a tricycle (Keke Napep) at the Post Office busiest bustop in the heart of the metropolis. 

Our Correspondent noticed that immediately after the explosions, residents were forced to rush home for safety, even as various ambulances were busy evacuating casualties to UMTH, State Specialist Hospital, Umaru Shehu UltraModern Hospital and other emergency medical facilities to save lives.

It was also observed that security agencies blocked major highways and entrances into highly respected public and private ventures to avoid further attacks.