Multiple explosions rocked Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, on Sunday, September 20, reportedly leaving scores of people dead and many others injured. According to Vanguard, the attack was launched at Ajilari railway cross in Gomari Airport ward of Maiduguri metropolis. The assault was believed to have been masterminded by suicide bombers who simultaneously detonated the explosives around 7.38pm. The last explosion was heard about 8pm.
(Scroll down for photos) An eyewitness of the attack identified as Mallam Ali Babagana narrated the incident had occurred at a telecommunication service point, with many people present at the site.
“I was close to the scene of the multiple blasts, but God (Allah) saved my life as many were feared dead and injured. I saw many shattered bodies of human beings at the scene before I ran away for my dear life.” |
| Photo credit: Sahara Reporters |
Another source disclosed the attack was the work of female bombers who came from Sambisa Forest, the notorious hideout of Boko Haram insurgents.
READ ALSO: Shekau Speaks In New Boko Haram Audio “Already, we have started moving out of Ajilari for a safer place into the main town of Maiduguri. Many dead bodies littered the scene of the blasts as we sought for an escape route to Gomari Airport.” UPDATE Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, the spokesman of the army, confirmed the attacks. He was quoted as saying by Leadership:
“This is to inform the public that there were three improvised explosive devices explosions at Gomari and Ajilari general area in Maiduguri at about 7.21pm today evening. Although details are not clear, it is important to note the attacks signify high level of desperation on the part of the Boko Haram terrorists.” According to Sahara Reporters, Emmanuel Isuku, police public relations officer for Borno state, stated that at least 54 people have died and 90 were injured from four separate blasts that occurred less than twenty minutes apart from each other.
A Sahara Reporters correspondent who visited the bombsites said more than 68 people have died.
The four explosions reportedly targeted a mosque, market area, public cinema, and a business center all in the Bulunkutu Tsillake area.
The Vice Chairman of Civilian Joint Task Force for the area said:
”We evacuated at least sixty-eight dead people and about one-hundred were critically injured. I left State Specialist Hospital at 1am [and learned that] six dead were taken home by relatives.” It was learnt that many families and relatives of victims were seen at various hospitals in Maiduguri, searcing for their relatives.
WARNING: Explicit content!
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| Photo credit: Sahara Reporters |
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| Photo credit: Sahara Reporters |
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| Photo credit: Sahara Reporters |
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| Photo credit: Sahara Reporters |
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| Photo credit: Sahara Reporters |
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Photo credit: Sahara Reporters |
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| Photo credit: Sahara Reporters |
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| Photo credit: Sahara Reporters |
The attack comes shortly after Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau released an audio message in which he described the claimed successes of the Nigerian army as lies. He said the military officials and President Muhammadu Buhari were deceiving people. The terrorist also insisted he was alive, contrary to the statements by the army seniors.
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