A survivor of the deadly explosions that struck Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, has narrated a frightening account of the incident, describing how what began as a normal day quickly turned into a scene of panic and confusion.
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| Maduguri |
The victim, Abacha Mustapha, said he was at a busy market in the city when a sudden explosion shattered the calm, sending people running for safety. According to him, many residents were caught off guard as the blast triggered fear and disorder across the area.
Mustapha revealed that he sustained a serious injury during the incident, with blood flowing from his neck shortly after the explosion. In the midst of the chaos, his brother reportedly came to his rescue, using a cloth to control the bleeding before rushing him to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment.
He described the situation as overwhelming, noting that people were screaming, others were lying injured, while many struggled to escape the scene at the same time. The confusion, he added, made it difficult for victims to get immediate help.
The explosions, which occurred on Monday evening, hit multiple locations across Maiduguri areas, including crowded public areas. Authorities confirmed that at least 23 people were killed, while more than 100 others sustained injuries in what has been described as one of the deadliest attacks in the city in recent years.
Reports indicate that the blasts happened almost simultaneously at key locations such as a major market, a post office hub, and near a teaching hospital, increasing the scale of the tragedy and overwhelming emergency responders.
Although no group has officially claimed responsibility, security agencies suspect the involvement of extremist groups that have been active in the region for years. Investigations are currently ongoing as authorities work to uncover those behind the attacks.
In response to the incident, security presence has been intensified across Maiduguri, with residents urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Emergency services also continue to attend to the injured, many of whom are receiving treatment in hospitals across the city.
For survivors like Mustapha, the memory of the explosions remains deeply disturbing. His experience reflects the fear and uncertainty that gripped residents as the attacks turned a routine evening into a tragic event that has left the community in shock.
Report by ABUBAKAR ISA