Multiple blasts hit Maiduguri markets, many killed

Scores of people were killed on Saturday in Borno state by three bomb blasts in separate locations in the state capital, Maiduguri. The first one occured at the Baga fish Market. The market is the biggest fish outlet in Northeast Nigeria where buyers and traders from across Nigeria and communities along the shores of the […]

Scores of people were killed on Saturday in Borno state by three bomb blasts in separate locations in the state capital, Maiduguri. The first one occured at the Baga fish Market.

The market is the biggest fish outlet in Northeast Nigeria where buyers and traders from across Nigeria and communities along the shores of the Lake Chad converge.

The incident happened at about 11.10am at the main gate of the market.

Minutes after the Baga Market blast, another one exploded at the Maiduguri Monday market in the heart of the state capital.

Witnesses said the blast was equally devastating because it killed “many people.”

“The blast was devastating because it killed many people,” Mohammed Mai Kifi, a fish monger said of the Baga market explosion.

“It killed hawkers of bread, tea, fruits, labourers and artisans, this is a sad day for us.”

Tahir Mamman, who sells egg at precinct of the Monday market said the blast went off near Kofa biyu.

“It killed many people, especially women and dates (Dabino) sellers,” he said.

Monday market has remained a soft spot for the Boko Haram terrorists who have launched several attacks there.

Yet another one went off at the Borno Express Bus Terminus along Damaturu road in Maiduguri. It also killed many people witnesses said.

Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Borno State, Barrister Kaka Shehu described the attacks as “heinous, barbaric and desperation by terrorists.”

According to him, “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, we have mobilized health workers to assist the victims. The terrorists are angry with the way they were sacked from town and villages and are now venting their anger on soft targets.”

Our correspondent reports that the whole area has been cordoned off by security forces, vigilantes and health workers.
Weekly Trust could not immediately verify how many people were killed or whether the bomb was ferried to the scene by a suicide bomber or planted.