Father Loses four Sons in Maiduguri Explosions as death toll hits 27

A man has reportedly lost his four sons in the multiple bomb explosions that rocked the Maiduguri on Monday evening, leaving at least 27 people dead and scores injured.

The coordinated blasts, which occurred near the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Monday Market roundabout, and the Post Office area, have thrown the state capital into mourning, with heartbreaking accounts emerging from survivors and witnesses.

A trader, Usman Lawan, narrated how his neighbour, Ba Musa, lost his four children in the incident. According to him, the boys had gone out to purchase eyeglasses ahead of the Sallah celebration when they were caught in the explosion.

“He bought them clothes and shoes for Sallah. They came to buy eyeglasses, but the blast killed all of them. They were buried yesterday,” Lawan said.

Another victim, a security guard at the hospital, recounted how suspected attackers arrived on a motorbike and attempted to gain access to the facility before hurling explosive devices.

“They threw a container at me. It fell and exploded. As I tried to escape, another one hit my leg. Many people died outside the hospital,” he said.

A grieving mother, who lost her daughter in the blast, described the moment her child died.

“We had just arrived when the bomb went off. She fell lifeless beside me. I was told she was gone. I leave everything to God,” she said.

Several petty traders affected by the explosions are currently receiving treatment at UMTH and other hospitals across the city. Many lamented the loss of their livelihoods, calling on government for urgent intervention.

“In a few minutes, everything I worked for was gone,” one of the victims said.

Reacting to the incident, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security strategy, warning that the country risks sliding into anarchy if decisive action is not taken.

The forum stressed that the growing wave of attacks across northern states points to a coordinated campaign by terrorist groups and criminal elements.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who visited victims at UMTH, condemned the attacks, describing the perpetrators as barbaric.

He assured that the federal government is strengthening efforts to combat terrorism and providing support through agencies such as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the North East Development Commission.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, said ending insurgency requires active cooperation from local communities in Borno and Yobe states.

He noted that some perpetrators are known within communities, urging residents to take ownership of the fight against terrorism.

Meanwhile, troops of Operation HADIN KAI reportedly neutralised over 80 insurgents during a fierce overnight battle in Mallam Fatori, Borno State.

According to military sources, the terrorists launched a coordinated attack using armed drones but were repelled by troops with support from air assets. Several weapons and explosive devices were recovered, while three top commanders were among those killed.