Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno, says two suspected suicide bombers are still at large after multiple explosions rocked Maiduguri, the state capital.
Speaking on Friday in an interview with BBC Pidgin, Zulum said
intelligence reports indicate that five bombers infiltrated the city.
He said that three already detonated improvised explosive
devices (IEDs), while the whereabouts of the remaining two are unknown.
“As I mentioned earlier, the intelligence we have received
so far indicates that five suicide bombers infiltrated Maiduguri. So far, three
have detonated their IEDs, while the whereabouts of the remaining two are still
being investigated,” the governor said.
TheCable had reported that three bomb blasts occurred across
Maiduguri, leaving over 100 residents injured, with 23 fatalities.
The coordinated nature of the attacks has raised concerns
about renewed infiltration by insurgents into the city, particularly during
festive periods.
Ali Ndume, senator representing Borno south, had said that
some of the explosive devices were transported with tricycles to evade security
checks.
Zulum said security agencies are actively tracking the two
remaining suspects and have intensified surveillance across the city.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid crowded
areas, especially during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
“We are on top of the situation, and we will find the two
who are yet to detonate their devices,” he said.
“It is important to share this information so that people
can be mindful of their movements… Government has the responsibility to inform
the public so that people can avoid places of gathering.”
Zulum attributed the infiltration to ongoing military
operations in the Sambisa Forest and along the shores of Lake Chad, adding that
insurgents often disperse into civilian areas to evade attacks.
He said the growing population of Maiduguri — now estimated
at between three and four million — makes it difficult for security operatives
to effectively screen all residents.
Despite the attacks, the governor said the state has made
significant progress in tackling insurgency compared to previous years.
“Whenever there are ongoing military operations, insurgents
tend to move out to defend themselves and divert attention,” he said.
Zulum assured residents that additional security measures
have been put in place to prevent further attacks.
“Anyone familiar with Borno will attest that peace has
gradually returned, and this madness will not be allowed to continue,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu had directed security
chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri in response to the attacks, while the African
Union has called for increased global support for Nigeria.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com