The Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has strongly condemned the recent bomb explosions in Maiduguri, describing the attacks as barbaric and a direct assault on innocent civilians.
The coordinated blasts reportedly struck busy locations around the Monday Market area and near the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), leaving several people dead and many others injured. The incidents, which occurred at about 7:02 p.m. on Monday, triggered an emergency response, with agencies including the Federal Fire Service rushing to the scene to contain the situation and assist victims.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Ndume decried the attacks as “inhumane and deeply disturbing,” noting that the choice of densely populated areas suggested a deliberate attempt to cause maximum casualties and spread fear among residents.
The senator, who is currently in Saudi Arabia performing Umrah, expressed profound grief over the tragedy. He extended his condolences to the governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, as well as to the families of those who lost their lives and those currently receiving treatment at UMTH.
“I cannot begin to imagine the pain and burden on our governor at this moment. This is a deeply heartbreaking situation for him and for all of us. May Allah grant us comfort, strength, and healing,” Ndume said.
He commended the swift intervention of security agencies but stressed the need for heightened vigilance and stronger preventive measures to forestall further attacks. With the Eid celebrations approaching, Ndume urged residents across Borno State particularly those in Borno South to remain alert and report any suspicious activities within their communities.
“We must not let our guard down at this critical time,” he warned.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has raised concerns over intelligence suggesting that suspected Boko Haram may have deployed multiple suicide bombers into Maiduguri. According to the military, the attacks targeted crowded public spaces, including the Post Office area, Monday Market, and the entrance to UMTH, in a coordinated effort to inflict mass casualties and instill panic.
Preliminary figures released by the army indicate that at least 23 people were killed, while more than 100 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in the explosions.
Ndume concluded his statement with prayers for the souls of the deceased, quick recovery for the wounded, and lasting peace and stability across Borno State and Nigeria at large.
