Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has strongly condemned the explosion that struck parts of Maiduguri on Monday evening, describing the attack as cruel, inhumane, and unacceptable.
The governor, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj, also known as Umrah, expressed deep sadness over the incident. He noted that the attack occurred during the holy month of Ramadan, a period when Muslims focus on prayer, fasting, and peaceful living.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, Zulum said his thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. He described the incident as a direct attack on innocent civilians who were going about their normal activities.
“I am deeply saddened by the explosions that occurred in parts of the metropolis on Monday evening. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and those injured as a result of the blast,” the governor said.
“The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane,” he added.
The explosion, which has already drawn national attention, is the latest in a series of security challenges facing Maiduguri and other parts of the North-East. Although the city has enjoyed relative peace in recent years, the attack has raised fresh concerns about the return of violence in the region.
Maiduguri has long been at the centre of Nigeria’s fight against insurgency, particularly the activities of Boko Haram. For over a decade, the group carried out attacks that led to the loss of thousands of lives and displacement of millions of people.
However, sustained military operations in recent years have reduced the frequency of attacks within the city, allowing residents to gradually rebuild their lives. Businesses reopened, markets became active again, and daily life began to return to normal.
The latest explosion has therefore come as a shock to many residents, especially as it happened during Ramadan, when people gather for prayers and evening meals.
Governor Zulum suggested that the renewed attacks may be linked to ongoing military operations targeting insurgents in the Sambisa Forest and other known hideouts across the region. According to him, increased pressure on insurgent groups may have led them to carry out retaliatory attacks.
Despite the situation, Zulum reassured residents that security agencies are working hard to maintain peace. He said the military and other security operatives are on top of the situation and are taking steps to prevent further attacks.
He called on residents to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities, while also staying alert. According to him, public cooperation with security agencies is very important in preventing future incidents.
The governor also urged security agencies to strengthen surveillance across the state, especially in crowded areas such as mosques, markets, and public gathering points. These locations are often targeted because of the large number of people present.
“Residents should remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to the appropriate authorities,” the statement said.
The Borno State Government, under Zulum’s leadership, has made security a top priority. Since assuming office, the governor has worked closely with the military and other agencies to improve safety and support communities affected by conflict.
His administration has also focused on rebuilding infrastructure destroyed by years of insurgency. Schools, hospitals, and roads have been rehabilitated in many parts of the state to help displaced persons return to their communities.
In addition, the government has provided support for victims of violence, including food aid, housing, and access to basic services. These efforts have helped restore some level of normalcy in the state, although challenges remain.
The recent explosion is a reminder that the fight against insurgency is not yet over. While progress has been made, security threats still exist, especially in rural areas and forest regions where insurgents are believed to operate.
For residents of Maiduguri, the focus now is on recovery and staying safe. Many are calling for stronger security measures and better coordination among agencies to prevent future attacks.
As investigations into the explosion continue, authorities are expected to provide more details about the incident and those responsible.
For now, Governor Zulum’s message remains clear: residents should remain calm but alert, support security efforts, and continue to pray for peace in Borno State and the country at large.
The hope among many Nigerians is that incidents like this will soon become a thing of the past, allowing communities in the North-East to fully recover from years of conflict and move forward in peace.
