Some survivors of the triple suicide bombings that took place at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital Main Gate, Monday Market and Post Office general area in the metropolis have recounted their ordeals, while expressing gratitude to God Almighty and rescue team operatives for sparing their lives.
This is as a medical worker who is not authorized to speak to the press at UMTH disclosed on Tuesday that six additional victims were referred to the Theatre Unit from the Emergency Unit for surgery to remove shrapnel from their bodies.
Telecommunications networks were shut down from 12 noon to 6:15pm on Tuesday, making it difficult for residents to communicate.
The Police Command confirmed that 23 persons lost their lives, while 108 others were injured in the attacks.
However, investigations indicated that more than 40 people may have been killed during the separate incidents.
Sources also revealed that 108 injured victims were admitted at UMTH, 18 at the State Specialist Hospital, and 25 at Umaru Shehu UltraModern Hospital.
The Deputy Governor, Umar Kadafur, on behalf of Governor Babagana Zulum who is currently in Saudi Arabia for Lesser Hajj, paid sympathy visits to victims receiving treatment at various hospitals.
While at UMTH, Kadafur commiserated with families of the deceased and wished the injured speedy recovery.
He linked the renewed Boko Haram attacks to recent military operations in Sambisa Forest and other enclaves, which reportedly led to the elimination of several insurgents and their commanders.
He also assured that the state government would provide support to families of those who lost their loved ones.
The Chief Medical Director of UMTH, Professor Ahmed Ahijo, confirmed that 25 people died while over 70 others are responding to treatment.
A survivor, Yau Aminu, said he was experiencing hearing difficulties due to the impact of the explosion at the hospital gate.
He appealed to individuals and organizations to support affected families, noting that he was a fruit seller before the incident.
Another survivor, a bricklayer receiving treatment at Umaru Shehu UltraModern Hospital, expressed concern over his family’s survival as the sole breadwinner.
He stated that he has five children and expressed worry about how his family would feed, considering that his wife is unemployed and he is currently hospitalized.
At the State Specialist Hospital, another victim, Nura Bukar, who sustained a head injury, appealed to the public to donate blood to assist critically injured victims requiring urgent transfusion.
At the female ward of Umaru Shehu UltraModern Hospital, a victim, Aisha Mallum Gana, said she was preparing to leave the market after the day’s activities when the explosion occurred.
She noted that she sustained minor injuries to her face and legs and is responding to treatment.
Meanwhile, following a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for service chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri, the Inspector General of Police, Olantunji Rilwan Disu, arrived in the city and addressed officers at the Borno State Police Command.
He stated that the police, in collaboration with the military and other security agencies, are working to restore peace in the North East and across the country.NAN
