JUST IN: Many feared dead as bomb explosions rock Maiduguri

An unspecified number of people are feared dead, while several others sustained injuries following bomb explosions on Monday evening around Monday Market in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Sources said the explosions occurred almost simultaneously at about 7:02 p.m., sending panic across the area.

Confirming the incident, the head of operations of the Federal Fire Service in Borno State, Mohammed Kafaran, said the agency had deployed personnel to the scene.

“Yes, there was a bomb explosion at the Monday Market area around Elkanemi. We have deployed our team there to assess the situation. We will get back to you shortly,” he said.

Eyewitnesses told reporters that several injured victims had already been evacuated to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.

“There were dead bodies on the ground, and many persons with wounds have been rushed to the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri,” one witness said.

Another resident, who declined to be named, described the moment the explosion occurred.

“I had just left the post office and was on my way when I heard a loud sound,” the resident said.

Emergency responders are currently carrying out rescue and assessment operations at the affected locations as authorities work to determine the number of casualties.