A former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has expressed deep sorrow following a series of suicide bombings in Maiduguri that reportedly killed 23 people and injured more than 100 others.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Kwankwaso described the coordinated attacks as “horrific” and warned that they represent a troubling setback to the relative peace the region has experienced in recent years. According to the Nigeria Police Force, the victims included innocent civilians caught in the explosions.
“I am deeply saddened by the horrific multiple suicide bombings… which claimed the lives of 23 innocent people and injured over 100 others,” Kwankwaso stated, adding that the violence signals “a disturbing resurgence of senseless terrorism” in the North-East.
The attacks reportedly took place on Monday evening at about 7:02 p.m., when multiple improvised explosive devices detonated almost simultaneously at the bustling Monday Market and near a security post at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and confusion, as residents fled for safety and emergency responders rushed to assist victims.
Confirming the incident, Mohammed Kafaran of the Federal Fire Service in Borno State said response teams were swiftly deployed to the affected areas to assess the situation and provide support.
Kwankwaso called on both federal and state authorities to take urgent and decisive measures to address the deteriorating security situation. He urged the government to adequately equip and support security forces, stressing that “now is not the time for defensiveness or complacency”.
“Our gallant armed forces must be fully empowered to take proactive action against these enemies of Nigeria,” he said.
He further extended his condolences to the victims, their families, and the government and people of Borno State, expressing solidarity during what he described as a profoundly difficult time.
