55 dead, 146 injured as multiple bomb blasts hits Borno

Not less than 55 persons were confirmed dead and 146 others seriously injured as Boko Haram suicide bombers attacked Maiduguri, the Borno state capital and carried out multiple bombings in various commercial areas.

Clement Adoda, Borno state police commissioner has confirmed the casualty figure to journalists who spoke with him on phone.

The suicide bombings happened in four different spots in Maiduguri, while another occurred at a military checkpoint at a town called Benisheik, 75 kilometres away from Maiduguri.

“We witnessed multiple blasts today in Maiduguri and sadly about 54 persons were killed and many were injured,” the police commissioner said.

Kaka Shehu, Borno state Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice,  who was one of the apparent government officials in town when the blasts occurred, said he was able to go round the hospitals to take inventory of those injured.

“We recorded 143 injured persons and 32 killed in the hospitals that we went to see the victims,” he said

He further added that he was directed by Governor Kashim Shettima to ensure that all the victims of the attacks were adequately taken care of, while describing the attack as “heinous, barbaric and desperation by terrorists”.

“We condemn this act in its entirety and we extend our condolences to the victims. Based on the directive of his Excellency, Governor Kashim Shettima, who is on working tour in the southern part of the state, we have mobilized health workers to assist the victims.

“The terrorists are angry with the way they were sacked from towns and villages and are now venting their anger on soft targets,” he said.

Mr. Shehu stated that the Borno State government remain determined in ensuring that security agents are fully supported to carry out the onerous duty of securing the lives of the people.

“Governor Shettima has since directed that all the victims of the attacks should be treated immediately and the state government will foot the bills. We have instructed all our doctors, including those that are not on duty to report to their places of work immediately,” the commissioner said.

Idi Idrisa, a local fish merchant, who was an eyewitness in one of the incidents, said “We were right inside the market when we heard the explosion erupt at the gate; we rushed there and I saw many dead bodies lying on the ground, many dead and several others badly injured.”