Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has revealed that five suicide bombers infiltrated the state, but only three have detonated their improvised explosive devices so far.
The governor raised the alarm during an exclusive interview while reacting to the series of explosions that struck Maiduguri, the Borno capital in north-east Nigeria.
At least 23 persons lost their lives and about 100 others sustained injuries when suspected suicide bombers attacked three locations simultaneously.
The Nigerian Army stated that the affected areas included the Post Office vicinity, the Monday Market axis, and the entrance gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
The blasts happened on Monday evening, around the period Muslims observing Ramadan were preparing to break their fast. The military blamed the attack on Boko Haram insurgents.
During the interview, Zulum disclosed that security operatives were still searching for the remaining two bombers and his administration was determined to ensure their mission fails.
“We’ve got solid intelligence that five suicide bombers made it into Maiduguri,” he explained. “Three have already detonated their devices.
“We’re tracking the remaining two right now. I won’t say more than that, but we’re on it. By God’s grace, we’ll stop those last two before they can strike.”
The governor said he felt “very sad” when he first received the report while he was in Saudi Arabia.
Since returning to the state, Zulum has been engaged in continuous meetings with the military and other security leaders aimed at bringing the situation under control.
