From Usman Abubakar, in Maiduguri
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has attributed the success of the triple bombings by Boko Haram Haram in Maiduguri, Monday, March 16, which claimed scores of lives and injured over 100 persons, to the fact that the residents of the city relaxed on their personal and community security measures.
“I have noticed that communities in Borno have been so used to this (suicide bombings) and they know how to protect themselves over the years since Boko Haram started,”
Disu responded to a question by newsmen in Maiduguri, Tuesday, March 17, lamenting, however, “But I have noticed that everybody seems to have relaxed.”
The IGP warned: “We are dealing with dangerous criminals who think like criminals who try to look out for security loopholes from the police, other security agencies and the community.”
He, therefore, urged the communities to intensify vigilance as the Eid-El-Fitr celebration approaches, assuring that the police is intensifying vigilance and patrol to nip such incidents in the bud.
Following the killing of no fewer than 50 persons by the triple suicide bombings, the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Maiduguri have raised alarm over the terrorists’ plan to carry out coordinated bombings across the city, sternly warning residents to steer clear of crowded locations.
Borno Police Command spokesman, ASP Nahum Daso, had in a statement earlier, confirmed the incidents, explaining that the devastating suspected suicide IED explosions occurred at about 7:24pm, one each at Maiduguri Monday Market, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) gate, and Post Office Flyover area of the metropolis.
“Regrettably, a total of 23 persons lost their lives, 108 others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” Daso disclosed.
However, reliable eye witnesses told our correspondent that no fewer than 50 persons, many of them young girls selling eatables for the breaking of the Fast, died instantly.
The injured were rushed to the UMTH and the Maiduguri General Hospital for emergency treatment and care.
“The cowardly attacks targeted crowded public areas in an attempt by the terrorists to inflict mass casualties and create panic within the metropolis,” Lt. Col. Sani Uba, OPHK spokesman revealed in a statement.
“Preliminary information further indicates that the terrorists may have deployed multiple suicide bombers into Maiduguri with the intention of carrying out coordinated suicide bombings at crowded locations,” the military spokesman disclosed.
Lt. Col. Uba said security forces have, therefore, intensified surveillance, patrols and counter-IED measures across the metropolis to track down any remaining suspects and prevent further attacks.
He urged members of the public to, therefore, remain calm but vigilant, avoid crowded areas where possible and promptly report any suspicious persons, unattended items or unusual activities to the nearest security agency.
Police spokesman, Daso said joint security operatives have heightened security presence and surveillance across Maiduguri and its environs to prevent any further occurrences.
“Investigations are ongoing to further ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incidents and to bring perpetrators to justice,” he said.
Governor Babagana Zulum, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj, described the attack as despicable, cruel, and cowardly, targeting innocent people in the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, called for increased vigilance and heightened security measures, particularly in places of worship, as the festive period beckons.
“I am deeply saddened by the explosions that occurred in parts of the metropolis on Monday evening,” he said, observing, “The recent surge in attacks is not unconnected with intense military operations in the Sambisa forest and other hideouts of the insurgents.’
The Governor, therefore, assured people of the state that the military and other security agencies are on top of the situation, as adequate measures have been taken to forestall any security breach in Maiduguri and the entire state.
He called on residents to remain calm, go about their usual activities, and report any suspicious movement or activity to security agencies. END
