Fresh details have emerged on a foiled bombing attempt at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, where three teenagers allegedly tried to smuggle explosives into the facility before being intercepted by security personnel.
The suspects, believed to be between 13 and 14 years old, reportedly concealed the explosives in a food flask and arrived at the hospital entrance in a tricycle, popularly known as Keke Napep, posing as relatives bringing meals to patients.
Security operatives, however, denied them entry, triggering explosions at the hospital gate that killed at least 23 people and left 108 others injured.
A security officer at the hospital, Ali Musa, recounted how the incident unfolded, saying the teenagers raised suspicion when they attempted to breach security checks.
“We had heard about the bomb blast at the post office and immediately tightened security at our post. We were two on duty while others had gone to break their fast,” Musa said.
According to him, the suspects approached the gate at high speed, violating standard entry procedures.
“Normally, people slow down for checks, but they drove in at full speed. That signalled something was wrong. I stopped them and asked them to go back. They initially objected but later reversed, staring at me with a terrifying look,” he added.
Musa said the situation escalated when one of the teenagers hurled the flask at him.
“While reversing, one of them threw the flask at me. I kicked it back and it fell. Moments later, there was a loud explosion. I immediately lay flat. The impact injured my hand,” he said.
He further disclosed that multiple explosions followed in quick succession.
“I tried to check on my colleague but found her with a broken leg. As I dragged her away, another bomb exploded nearby. I jumped into a flower garden. Both my legs were affected,” Musa said.
A shop owner near the hospital, who spoke on condition of anonymity, corroborated the account, stating that the attackers appeared intent on causing mass casualties within the hospital premises.
“They wanted to blow up parts of the hospital,” she said.
On the same day, another explosion rocked the popular Monday Market in Maiduguri, reportedly carried out by a separate suicide bomber wearing an explosive vest.
Eyewitnesses described the incident as devastating, with one victim burnt beyond recognition.
A trader, identified as Fati, said she fled immediately after hearing the blast.
“That night was terrifying. I have never seen anything like it. I rushed home when I heard the explosion, but later I heard they found a boy whose body was completely destroyed. They suspected he was the bomb carrier,” she said.
In response to the coordinated attacks, Bola Tinubu directed security chiefs to relocate to Borno State to tackle the rising wave of violence.
Following the directive, Olufemi Oluyede and Waidi Shaibu arrived in Maiduguri to coordinate security operations.
Authorities are yet to release a breakdown of casualties specifically linked to the hospital explosion as investigations continues.
