Olushola Omogbehin
Following the bomb blasts that took place on Monday in Maiduguri, Borno State, President Bola Tinubu has ordered service chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri to take charge of the situation.
President Tinubu, who gave the order on Tuesday described the attacks as desperate and frantic attempts by terrorist elements under constant pressure from security forces.
The attack which took place on Monday involved three suicide bombers who detonated explosives around 7:02 p.m in different places.
The Maiduguri Monday Market, the Post Office Flyover area, and the security post at the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
As the Nigerian Police Force declared yesterday that the blasts claimed about 23 lives, with 108 sustaining various degrees of injuries, president Tinubu mourned those who lost their lives in the attacks.
On his X handle on Tuesday, Tinubu said:
“I mourn those who lost their lives, sympathise with the injured and stand in solidarity with the people of Borno during this challenging time.
“I want to make it categorically clear that these acts of terror are the final desperate and frantic attempts by criminals and terrorist elements trying to instil and spread fear, as they are under constant pressure from our brave armed forces and security agencies operating in various theatres.
“I have 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,” he said
Speaking furtehr, ha said “Just last weekend, during a security meeting with leaders of security and intelligence agencies, I approved additional equipment and operational support to enhance their capabilities. This effort is already in progress.”
Commending the courage and and fighting spirit of our patriotic troops who successfully repelled the attacks, Tinubu vowed that Nigeria would continue to intensify efforts against criminal elements wherever they may be.
Northern governors and the lawmaker representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, have also asked Federal Government to address the security situation in the country.
Warning that the resurgence of terrorism could erode public confidence in the government former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, called for urgent review of security strategies.
The African Democratic Congress, ADC, also condemned the blasts and blamed President Tinubu for choosing to travel to the United Kingdom to exchange pleasantries with King Charles while Nigerians mourned.
“African Democratic Congress, ADC, strongly condemns the bomb blasts that have shaken Maiduguri, Borno State, leaving innocent Nigerians dead and many others injured.
“Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and the people of Maiduguri, a city that has endured more than its fair share of pain over the years.”
Narrating his ordeal from his bed at Umaru Shehu Hospital, Maiduguri, Abacha Mustapha, who sustained injuries as a result of the blast, said he was preparing to leave the market after the day’s activities when the explosion occurred.
“We broke our fast and were about to leave after closing our shops when the first bomb detonated. I heard a loud sound and suddenly my neck started bleeding,” he said.
He said the impact of the explosion made traders and residents scampered for safety. While some fell, others were shouting.
