Two brothers, Sanni Muhammad, 35, and his 17-year-old sibling, Bashir Muhammad, have shared how a brief delay in traffic saved them from being caught in the deadly explosions that rocked parts of Maiduguri on Monday evening.
According to The PUNCH, the blasts, which occurred at multiple locations including the Post Office Flyover, the Monday Market axis, and near the University Teaching Hospital, left at least 23 people dead and over 100 others injured, according to police authorities.
Speaking about the incident, Sanni explained that he and his brother had set out to retrieve some purchased items from the market but were held up along the way.
“We left our house around 6:45 pm to pick up some things I had already paid for earlier in the day,” he said.
“At first, I wanted my younger brother to go alone, but I later decided we should go together.”
He noted that an unexpected obstruction at a traffic light slowed their journey, a delay he now believes was crucial.
“There was a vehicle that stalled when the light turned green, and it caused a hold-up. Everyone was impatient because it was around Iftar time,” Sanni recounted.
“Looking back, that moment made all the difference. If not for that delay, we might have arrived at the market just as the explosion happened.”
He expressed gratitude for surviving the incident and extended sympathy to families who lost loved ones.
“I thank God for sparing our lives. My heart goes out to those who were affected. Incidents like this show the need for stronger security and vigilance,” he added.
The Borno State Police Command confirmed the attacks, stating that security operatives quickly secured the affected areas and conducted sweep operations to prevent further threats.
Police spokesperson ASP Nahum Daso said, “The scenes were immediately cordoned off and thoroughly searched by our Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit to ensure there were no additional վտանգs.”
Meanwhile, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, condemned the incident, describing it as a senseless act of violence against innocent civilians.
“I am deeply saddened by the explosions in Maiduguri. This is a cruel and inhumane act, especially during the holy month of Ramadan,” the governor said in a statement released through his media aide.
Zulum linked the resurgence of attacks to intensified military operations against insurgents in known strongholds and assured residents that security agencies are taking steps to prevent further incidents.
He urged the public to remain vigilant, particularly in crowded places and places of worship, as authorities continue efforts to restore safety across the state.
