Maiduguri Bomb Blasts: Police Confirm 54 Deaths, 90 Injured

Maiduguri Bomb Blasts: Police Confirm 54 Deaths, 90 Injured

Kashim Shettima

Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri

The police monday confirmed that 54 persons were killed in  last Sunday’s multiple bomb attacks in  some parts of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Emmanuel Isuku, also revealed on phone to journalists that 90 persons were injured.
The residents of the troubled town were thrown into apprehension last Sunday evening when bomb explosions were heard, a sound which re-echoed all over the town.

It was gathered that the bomb attacks were targeted at a mosque and business area of Ajilari Cross.

A resident of Ajilari Cross, Abba Yunusa, told our correspondent that “around 7.20p.m. when Muslims gathered in a mosque at the Ajilari Cross bus stop for Isha prayer, a strange heavy sound was heard and the whole place went up about in smoke, leading to the death of over 43 people and injuring 34 others.”

This, he said, led to pandemonium as people in the area were scampering for their lives.

He said: “Just as people were running away from the direction of the mosque, a second bomb few minutes later was detonated about 100 metres away, this led to the death of nine persons including two soldiers who were in the area to buy meat and fish barbecue.”

He added that when people were yet to come to terms with what hit them, precisely five minutes after the second explosion, a third explosion occurred at the Yan Yashi Pick up van park near the mini market of Ajilari Cross, about 100 metres away from the rail line and second spot of the bomb blast killing about 13 youths and injuring many others who always gathered there to socialise.

Also attacked was Lawan Street in Gomari, in the same neighbourhood with Ajilari, where many congregated to play computer games and watch videos.

A resident of the area, Aisha Isa, said: “Few minutes after the strange sound from the Ajilari Cross, a sound was heard at the junction of the road linking the cinema hall where youths, including children, do gather to watch football and films near Shittu mai suya, killing about seven people all youths and another bomb was detonated few metres away from the junction along the same road but in front of the cinema  hall, killing some youths and injuring over 40 other persons.”

Meanwhile,  the state Governor, Kashim Shettima, monday paid a visit to the affected areas and the hospital where the injured are being treated.

The governor, who was in pensive mood, assured the injured that the state government would offset their medical bills.
He also sympathised with the families of the deceased and advised the residents of the state to be vigilant at all time.