Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria – A former Governor of Kano State in northern Nigeria, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed deep sorrow over a series of suicide bomb attacks in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State in northeastern Nigeria, which killed at least 23 people and injured more than 100 others.
Kwankwaso described the bombings as a tragic development and warned that the incident signals a possible return of violent extremist attacks in the region, which has struggled with terrorism for more than a decade.
Okay News reports that the explosions occurred on Monday evening at about 7:02 p.m. West African Time (WAT, GMT+1). The attacks happened almost simultaneously at two locations in the city, including the popular Monday Market area and a security checkpoint near the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
Emergency responders and security personnel were quickly deployed to the scene after the explosions caused panic among residents and traders in the busy commercial district.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Kwankwaso said the loss of lives was deeply troubling and represented a setback for the fragile peace that had gradually returned to parts of Borno State in recent years.
“I am deeply saddened by the horrific multiple suicide bombings in Maiduguri, Borno State, which claimed the lives of 23 innocent people and injured over 100 others, as confirmed by the Nigeria Police Force”, the statement partly read.
The former governor warned that the latest attacks, coming after other recent security incidents in Borno State, may indicate a troubling resurgence of terrorism in the northeastern region of Nigeria.
“These latest attacks, following other recent incidents in Borno, signal a disturbing resurgence of senseless terrorism that threatens the peace our communities have struggled so hard to rebuild after years of relative calm. This cannot be tolerated,” Kwankwaso’s statement added.
Northern Nigeria has faced persistent insurgency since 2009, largely driven by the extremist group Boko Haram and its offshoot factions. The violence has displaced millions of people, destroyed communities, and placed heavy pressure on security forces operating in the region.
Kwankwaso urged both the federal government of Nigeria and state governments to act quickly to strengthen security operations and provide full support to the country’s military and security agencies.
“Now is not the time for defensiveness or complacency. Our gallant armed forces must be fully empowered to take decisive, proactive action against these enemies of Nigeria,” he said.
He also emphasised the need for authorities to ensure that security agencies receive adequate resources, intelligence support, and equipment to confront terrorist networks operating in the region.
“The Federal and State governments must leave no stone unturned in providing all necessary resources and support to enable our troops to decisively defeat these terrorist networks,” he stated.
Kwankwaso further expressed sympathy for the victims and their families, as well as the government and residents of Borno State who have endured years of insecurity.
“My heart goes out to the bereaved families, the injured, and all the people of Borno State. I extend my deepest condolences to the government and citizens of Borno during this difficult time,” he said.
Authorities have continued to assess the full impact of the explosions. Confirming the incident, the Head of Operations of the Federal Fire Service in Borno State, Mohammed Kafaran, said emergency teams were immediately dispatched after the blasts were reported.
“Yes, there was a bomb explosion at the Monday Market area around Elkanemi. We have deployed our team there to assess the situation and take reports. We will provide more details shortly,” he said.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of confusion and panic as people fled the affected areas. Several injured victims were quickly transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment, including the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri.
Security agencies have since launched investigations into the attacks while emergency teams continue to assist victims and restore calm to the affected areas.
The bombings highlight ongoing security concerns in northeastern Nigeria, where authorities continue to confront extremist groups responsible for years of violence.
