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MAIDUGURI — Survivors of Monday night’s bomb blasts in Maiduguri, Borno State, have described the explosions as a scene reminiscent of a war zone. Their accounts came as President Bola Tinubu ordered service chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri to oversee the security situation.
The Nigerian Police Force reported that the blasts killed at least 23 people, with 108 others sustaining injuries, some critically. However, eyewitnesses put the death toll at over 40.
Northern governors and the Borno South lawmaker, Ali Ndume, have urged the Federal Government to take urgent action. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar warned that the resurgence of terrorism could erode public confidence in the government, calling for an immediate review of security strategies.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) condemned the blasts and criticized President Tinubu for traveling to the United Kingdom to meet King Charles while Nigerians mourned.
Eyewitness Accounts
Speaking from his hospital bed at Umaru Shehu Hospital, Abacha Mustapha, a victim of the blast, recounted:
“We had just broken our fast and were about to leave after closing our shops when the first bomb detonated. The impact threw people into confusion. My brother quickly tied my neck to stop the bleeding and rushed me to the hospital. If not for him, I don’t know what would have happened.”
Another survivor, Mohammed Jubril, said:
“The blast deafened me immediately. People were running in all directions, and smoke covered the area. Many lay injured on the ground.”
Hauwa Sanusi appealed for help in locating her younger sister, missing since the blasts:
“We have visited several hospitals, but there is no sign of her. We are in pain. Please help.”
A bricklayer admitted to Umaru Shehu UltraModern Hospital, who sustains injuries on his legs and right hand, expressed concern about providing for his family:
“I am a father of five, and my wife is jobless. I thank God I am alive, but I worry about feeding my children while in the hospital.”
Call for Blood Donations
Nura Bukar, a victim with a minor forehead injury, urged citizens to donate blood at the State Specialist Hospital, emphasizing the urgent need for transfusions to save lives.
Another victim, Aisha Mallum Gana, who sustained minor injuries, recounted:
“I was about to close my stall when the blast occurred. Thankfully, I have only minor injuries and am responding to treatment.”
Official Statements
The Chief Medical Director of UMTH, Professor Ahmed Ahijo, confirmed 25 deaths, with over 70 patients receiving treatment.
Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Kenneth Daso, stated:
“The suspected suicide IED blasts occurred around 7:24 pm on March 16, 2026, targeting Maiduguri Monday Market, UMTH gate, and the Post Office Flyover. Preliminary investigations indicate suicide bombers carried out the attacks. Twenty-three people died, and 108 sustained injuries. Police and joint security units swiftly secured the areas, conducted sweeps for additional threats, and assessed the situation on-site.”
Witnesses, however, insist that more than 40 civilians, including the attackers, were killed, as some of the injured succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment.
