Families yesterday began a frantic search for their missing loved ones, who last reported that they were visiting one of the three locations affected by the Borno blast that killed 23 persons and injured 108 others on Monday evening.
This is as blood donor shortage, particularly for ‘A blood group’, is threatening the survival of the scores of victims injured in the Monday’ triple suicide bomb blasts in Maiduguri.
No group has claimed responsibility, but a Nigerian military spokesman attributed the attacks to suicide bombings by the terrorist group Boko Haram.
“The cowardly attacks targeted crowded public areas in an attempt by the terrorists to inflict mass casualties and create panic within the metropolis,” the spokesman, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said in a statement yesterday .
Many of the injured are currently receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and other medical facilities across the metropolis, with some in critical condition and in urgent need of blood transfusion.
According to a health worker, a desperate appeal was made to the public to urgently donate blood to save lives. “Please, if you or anyone you know has ‘A blood group’ and can donate, kindly reach out immediately. Your support can save a life,” the source said. Relatives of victims also called on residents—especially eligible donors—to visit hospitals and treatment centres to assist in the ongoing emergency response. It was gathered that the ongoing Ramadan fast has contributed to the shortage, as many potential donors are unable to give blood during fasting periods.
The Borno State Police Command yesterday confirmed that at least 23 persons were killed and 108 others injured in the coordinated explosions. However, some sources suggested that the casualty figure could be higher.
A statement by the spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, said: “The scenes were immediately secured, cordoned off, and subjected to thorough sweep operations by Police Explosive Ordnance (EOD) Unit Base 13 Maiduguri to rule out the presence of any additional threats.”
Confirming the current situation to newsmen on Tuesday afternoon, the spokesperson said they have begun to receive reports from relatives searching for their loved ones.
According to him, the police have liaised with ward heads in the state to help them obtain reports from families seeking the whereabouts of their loved ones.
Daso called on families with missing relatives to report to the nearest police station or their ward head. “We are calling on families who haven’t found their loved relatives to visit the nearest police station to make a report because some of the victims were severely injured beyond recognition,” he said.
The attack marks the latest among a series of assault perpetuated by terrorists against civilian populations across the state. In a related development, the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI has warned of an increased threat of further suicide attacks across the North-East during the final days of Ramadan.
In a statement issued by its spokesman, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the task force said recent incidents in Maiduguri—including attacks around Monday Market, the Post Office area, and the entrance of UMTH—underscore the persistent intent of terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP to target densely populated civilian locations.
The military noted that such groups often intensify attacks during significant religious periods, particularly towards the end of Ramadan, when there is increased movement in mosques, markets, motor parks, and other public places.
Residents were therefore urged to remain vigilant and security-conscious, especially in crowded areas. The task force advised the public to report suspicious persons, unattended items, or unusual movements to security agencies promptly.
It also called on worshippers attending night prayers, including Taraweeh and Tahajjud, to cooperate with security personnel and adhere to safety measures, while urging parents to monitor their children’s movements.
Community leaders, religious authorities, market associations, and transport unions were equally encouraged to support security efforts through public sensitisation and timely reporting of suspicious activities.
The military assured that security agencies have heightened surveillance, patrols, and protective measures across critical locations in the region to prevent further attacks and ensure peaceful observance of the remaining Ramadan period and forthcoming Eid celebrations.
MEANWHILE, condemnations yesterday trailed the latest attack, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) describing it as further proof of what it termed the Federal Government’s failure to tackle insecurity under President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the party said the multiple explosions underscored what it called the worsening security situation across the country. The statement, signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration for its inability to curb the persistent wave of violence, particularly in the North-East.
According to the PDP, the latest incident adds to a series of security breaches recorded over the years, despite assurances made by the APC prior to coming into power that it would decisively address insecurity.
Also, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the bomb blasts, accusing President Tinubu of prioritising politics over the lives of Nigerians. The party, therefore, called on the President to immediately return to Nigeria and tackle the growing insecurity, stressing that his decision to jet out of the country at such a critical and mourning period explains his insensitivity and laxity.
National Publicity Secretary of ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, conveyed the party’s sympathy for the victims of the attacks and their families. The ADC also raised concerns about what it described as a lack of leadership focus at a critical moment, noting that President Tinubu is currently outside the country while senior officials responsible for national security are reportedly engaged in partisan political activities. According to the ADC, protecting lives and property must take precedence over political distractions and diplomatic ceremonies. It therefore calls on President Tinubu to urgently return to the country and fulfil his primary duty of protecting lives.
“Moments like this demand the full and undivided attention of the country’s leadership. It is therefore troubling that the President is currently outside the country at a time when such a serious attack on national security occurred.”
The statement continued, “at a time when Nigerian soldiers and civilians are being willfully killed by terrorists, those charged with protecting the country are focused on politics of self-succession. “The National Security Adviser is going after opposition figures and calling bandits his brothers, while the Minister of Defence is on television planning the APC national convention. This is not leadership. It is a dangerous distraction that is costing lives. “In case this government has forgotten, those being killed by terrorists are not just numbers. Those soldiers being mowed down by bandits are people’s children, husbands, fathers and families. In any serious country, a devastating security breach would command the full attention of the government.”
In a similar vein, former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has urged President Tinubu to prioritise security and governance over political permutations ahead of the 2027 elections, following Monday’s explosions. The attacks came amid renewed insurgent activities in the North-East, with reports that terrorists also struck military formations in Ajari, Baga and Damboa.
In a statement yesterday, Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, decried what he described as the growing disconnect between governance and the security realities confronting Nigerians, particularly in the North-East. “We seem to have abandoned the people for politics. The people who will vote are dying,” he said.
“President Tinubu should concentrate on governance. He should address the safety of Nigerians and their welfare first. If there is no improvement in their welfare and security, the government becomes their enemy,” Ndume added.
“It is not enough to issue strongly worded press statements. Considering the number of deaths and injuries recorded in Borno and other states, this calls for national mourning,” Ndume stated.