Death Toll Hits 23 in Maiduguri Suicide Attacks
Triple Suicide Blasts; Northern Governors, Ndume Condemn Attack
The Borno State Police Command has confirmed that at least 23 people were killed and 108 others injured following triple suicide bomb explosions that rocked Maiduguri on Monday evening.
The coordinated attacks occurred almost simultaneously at the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), the Monday Market Roundabout, and the Post Office area. While official police figures stand at 23, local sources suggest the death toll may be higher as more victims succumb to their injuries.
Northern Governors React
In a swift reaction on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, described the attacks as “heinous, barbaric, and a direct assault on innocent lives.”
In a statement signed by his Director-General of Press Affairs, Ismaila Uba Misilli, Governor Yahaya lamented that the violence was a “cruel attempt to instill fear and disrupt the fragile peace being restored in the North-East.”
“This is an attack on our collective humanity and must be condemned in the strongest terms,” the Governor stated. “Now, more than ever, we must stand united against forces of terror. Our resolve to secure our region remains unshaken.”
Yahaya commended first responders and reaffirmed the commitment of Northern governors to partner with the Federal Government to defeat terrorism.
Senator Ndume Calls for Vigilance
Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South), who is currently in Saudi Arabia performing Umrah, also issued a statement condemning the “barbaric” act. He expressed deep sorrow over the recurring threats to civilian lives and urged for “renewed urgency and coordinated action” in security operations.
“I cannot begin to imagine the pain and burden on our governor [Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum] at this moment,” Ndume said. “This is a deeply heartbreaking situation for him and for all of us.”
The Senator urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, especially as the region prepares for upcoming Eid celebrations.
Security Update
Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Kenneth Daso, stated that security agencies have cordoned off the affected areas to prevent further incidents. Investigations are ongoing to identify the perpetrators and their collaborators.
The victims are currently receiving treatment at various hospitals, including the UMTH, where the management is working to stabilize the dozens of injured survivors.
