Multiple Bomb Attacks in Maiduguri by five suicide attacks

At least 55 persons were confirmed dead and 146 others seriously injured as Boko Haram suicide bombers descended on Maiduguri, the Borno state capital and carried out multiple bombings in various commercial areas,

The Borno state police commissioner, Clement Adoda, confirmed the casualty figure to journalists who spoke with him on phone.

The suicide bombings occurred in four different spots in Maiduguri, while one other occurred at a military checkpoint at a town called Benisheik, 75 kilometres away from Maiduguri.

“We had multiple blasts today in Maiduguri and sadly about 54 persons were killed and many were injured,” the police commissioner said.

The Borno state Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Kaka Shehu, who was one of the visible government officials in town when the blasts occurred, said he was able to go round the hospitals to take inventory of those injured.

“We had 143 injured persons and 32 killed in the hospitals that we went to see the victims,” he said

He added that he was directed by Governor Kashim Shettima to ensure that all the victims of the attacks are adequately taken care of, while describing the attack as “heinous, barbaric and desperation by terrorists”.

“We condemn this act in its entirety and we extend our condolences to the victims. Based on the directive of his Excellency, Governor Kashim Shettima, who is on working tour in the southern part of the state, we have mobilized health workers to assist the victims.

“The terrorists are angry with the way they were sacked from towns and villages and are now venting their anger on soft targets,” he said.