The Nigerian government has directed security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri, Borno State, following explosions in the north-eastern city that left about 23 people dead, and has pledged to track those responsible for the “acts of terror”.
President Bola Tinubu, condemning the incident, described it as part of the “desperate and frantic attempts by criminals and terrorist elements trying to instil and spread fear” among citizens amid pressure from security forces.
He said the government is strengthening security nationwide and has “directed security chiefs to move to Maiduguri to take charge of the situation.
“I have also directed the emergency agencies to provide proper care for the injured,” Tinubu said in a statement on Tuesday.
The president described the incident as “profoundly upsetting” but warned that “There is no place in Nigeria where terrorists will find safety.
“We will locate them, confront them, and completely defeat them.”
“We will continue to intensify our efforts against all criminal elements, wherever they may be,” he added.
Tinubu commended the “courage and fighting spirit of our patriotic troops” for repelling “coordinated attacks by these terrorists on military positions in the state”.
He added that his administration has recently “approved additional equipment and operational support to enhance their capabilities.
“This effort is already in progress,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Senators’ Forum said it is “shocked and saddened by the devastating bomb explosions.”
While extending “heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Borno State,” the lawmakers assured that “everything will be done by the Federal Government to ensure that the people regain confidence in the City.”
“We pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and comfort for the families of the victims,” Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, leader of the forum, said.
“We also call on all Nigerians to remain calm and support the efforts of the security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
On Tuesday, police authorities in Borno confirmed that 23 people were killed in the blasts that rocked the state on Monday.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the incidents were carried out by suspected suicide bombers. Regrettably, a total of twenty-three (23) persons lost their lives, while one hundred and eight (108) others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” police spokesperson Nahum Kenneth-Daso said.
A joint team of police tactical units, the military, and other security operatives has been deployed to the affected areas.
Victims have been evacuated by emergency responders, while the injured are receiving treatment.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as people fled the initial explosion at the market towards an exit near the post office, where another blast occurred shortly after.
“We were sitting (at the market) when we suddenly heard a loud explosion. Everyone immediately started running in fear. While people were still fleeing, another explosion occurred around the post office area,” said Modu Bukar, 27.
Another survivor, Mala Mohammed, 31, said many people “ran toward the post office area because the market entrance and the post office are not far apart.
“Unfortunately, as they were running towards the post office, the person who had the explosive device ran into the crowd while people were still trying to escape.”