Breaking: Panic in Maiduguri as bomb explosions leave many feared dead

Several people are feared dead while many others sustained injuries following suspected bomb explosions that struck parts of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Monday evening.

The blasts reportedly occurred around the popular Monday Market and near a security post close to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital at about 7:02 p.m., causing panic among residents and traders in the area.

Confirming the incident, the Head of Operations of the Federal Fire Service in Borno State, Mohammed Kafaran, said emergency responders had been deployed to the scene.

“Yes, there was a bomb explosion at the Monday Market area around Elkanemi. We have sent our team to the location to assess the situation and will provide further updates shortly,” he said.

Eyewitnesses said several casualties were recorded as a result of the explosions, with many of the injured quickly taken to nearby hospitals for medical attention.

One resident said victims with various degrees of injuries were rushed to the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri for treatment.

“There were bodies on the ground, and many injured people were immediately taken to the State Specialist Hospital,” the witness said.

Another resident, who declined to be identified, described the moment the explosion occurred.

“I had just left the post office and was heading home when I suddenly heard a very loud sound,” the resident recounted.

Emergency responders and security operatives are currently at the affected locations carrying out rescue operations and assessing the extent of the damage.