One of the victims injured in the explosions that struck Maiduguri on Monday night, Abacha Mustapha, recounted the horrifying moment the blasts took place, resulting in serious injuries to him.
In an interview with Daily Trust from his hospital bed at Umaru Shehu Hospital, Mustapha described how he was about to leave the market after a day's work when the explosions occurred.
"We had just broken our fast and were preparing to leave after closing our shops when the first bomb detonated. I heard a loud sound, and suddenly, my neck started bleeding," he stated.
The force of the explosion created chaos, as traders and locals rushed to safety, overwhelmed by panic.
"It was chaotic. People were running in different directions. Some fell, while others screamed. I was so confused that I couldn't comprehend what had happened initially," he added.
Mustapha mentioned that his brother, who was with him at the time, quickly assisted him and helped avert a greater tragedy.
"My brother tied a cloth around my neck to stem the bleeding before he rushed me to the hospital. If not for his swift action, I don't know what could have occurred," he revealed.
Medical personnel at the hospital confirmed that several individuals were brought in as a result of the explosions, many suffering from various injuries including shrapnel wounds and burns.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that the blasts happened at a crucial time when traders were concluding their sales, and residents were returning home after the evening prayers and breaking their fast.
The explosions took place at key locations including the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), the Monday Market, and the Post Office area of the city.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that 23 people lost their lives in the incident, while a total of 146 individuals are currently receiving treatment for their injuries.
Surajo Abdullahi, Zonal Coordinator at NEMA, confirmed these figures to Daily Trust, stating that 169 victims were evacuated to three hospitals within Maiduguri.
"At the moment, 108 are being treated at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), while 20 are at Umaru Shehu Hospital and 17 at Maiduguri Specialist Hospital," he detailed.
Residents expressed concern over the recent surge in violence after years of relative peace in the city, which had previously been notorious for bombings and shootings.
"This incident has revived the fears and horrific scenes of the past. Such multiple explosions signify a distressing increase in violence in a city that enjoyed relative calm for some time," commented an unnamed resident.
Many locals have called for heightened vigilance and improved security in public areas, notably markets and densely populated regions.
As of the latest updates, authorities were still evaluating the situation, while numerous families gathered at local hospitals seeking news about their loved ones.
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