Families have begun searching for relatives who had earlier indicated they were heading to one of the three sites hit by the deadly blast in Maiduguri, Borno State, which left 23 people dead and 108 injured on Monday evening.
The attacks, reportedly carried out by suspected suicide bombers, targeted the Post Office Flyover, Monday Market area, and the entrance of the University Teaching Hospital.
The Nigeria Police Force confirmed the incident, stating that investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Nahum Daso, said, “The scenes were immediately secured, cordoned off, and subjected to thorough sweep operations by Police Explosive Ordnance (EOD) Unit Base 13 Maiduguri to rule out the presence of any additional threats.”
Providing an update, Daso revealed that authorities are already receiving reports from families searching for missing loved ones.
He explained that the police are working closely with ward heads and community leaders to gather information and track missing persons.
“What we are doing is that we are using Bulamas (ward heads) and other community leaders. We are in contact with them, incase if there are any reports.
“So far, I am very sure the divisional police stations have received complaints from families.”
He urged families still searching for relatives to report to nearby police stations or local ward heads.
“We are calling on families who haven’t found their loved relatives to visit the nearest police station to make a report because some of the victims were severely injured beyond recognition,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has condemned the attack, describing it as a cruel act against innocent civilians, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
Zulum, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.
“I am deeply saddened by the explosions that occurred in parts of the metropolis on Monday evening.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and those injured as a result of the blast. The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric, and inhumane,” he said.
He also linked the recent rise in attacks to intensified military operations targeting insurgent hideouts.
“The recent surge in attacks is not unconnected with intense military operations in the Sambisa forest and other hideouts of the insurgents.”
The governor reassured residents that security agencies are actively managing the situation and have put measures in place to prevent further incidents across the state.