Zulum describes Maiduguri blasts as cowardly, calls for calm

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has condemned the multiple bomb explosions that rocked parts of Maiduguri on Monday evening, describing the attacks as “despicable, cruel, and cowardly.”

Governor Zulum, who is currently in Saudi Arabia performing the Lesser Hajj (Umrah), expressed deep concern over the incidents, noting that the attacks targeted innocent civilians during the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, the governor urged residents to remain vigilant and observe heightened security measures, especially in places of worship and other public gatherings as the festive period approaches.

He reassured citizens that the military and other security agencies are fully in control of the situation, adding that adequate steps have been taken to prevent further security breaches in Maiduguri and across Borno State.

The governor also called on residents to remain calm, continue their lawful activities without fear, and promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to security operatives.

The Nigeria Police Force in Borno confirmed that 23 people were killed and 108 others injured following multiple suspected suicide bomb attacks in Maiduguri.

According to the Borno State Police Command, the explosions occurred at the popular Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover.

Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Kenneth Daso, disclosed in a statement that security operatives, including police tactical teams, the military and other joint security units, were immediately deployed to the affected locations.