‘Many killed’ as multiple blasts rock Maiduguri

Suspected members of the Boko Haram sect have struck in Maiduguri, capital of Borno state, leaving an unspecified number of people dead.

A source told TheCable that one of the attacks happened around 8pm at the airport roundabout in the Gomari area of the city.

“The incident happened around 8pm and many people are believed to have been killed because there were series of bomb explosions,” he said.

Sani Usman, acting director, army public relations, confirmed the attacks but did not give details of causality.

“This is to inform the public that there were three improvised explosive devices explosions at Gomari and Ajilari general area in Maiduguri at about 7.21pm today evening,” he said in a statement.

“Although details are not clear, it is important to note the attacks signify high level of desperation on the part of the Boko Haram terrorists.

“Security personnel and emergency management teams have been drafted to the area and appropriate security measures being taken.

“We would like to state that the Nigerian military would not be deterred in its determined efforts of defeating Boko Haram terrorists in the shortest possible time.

“We would like to assure the public also that now the terrorists have shown their ugly presence in such areas, there is need for more vigilance, security consciousness and prompt reporting of suspicious persons or group of persons in their midst. This would enable the security take appropriate measures against them.

“It would be recalled that their previous attempts to attack and blow up Allau dam was thwarted.”

The attacks come a day after Abubakar Shekau, leader of the group, dismissed the claim of the military that insurgency was being crushed.