Death Toll Rises to 131 as Multiple Explosions Rock Maiduguri

M Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, was thrown into panic on Monday evening following multiple explosions that struck different parts of the city, leaving at least 131 people feared dead in what is suspected to be a coordinated attack.

The blasts, which occurred around 7:30 p.m. on March 16, 2026, were reported at three major locations, including the bustling El-Kanemi Monday Market, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), and the Post Office area.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and devastation as residents fled for safety amid the deafening sounds of the explosions.

A resident, Abdul Ahmed, said, “We heard loud explosions around the Monday Market and near UMTH. People were running in all directions. It was terrifying.”

Another eyewitness, Fadila Abdulrahman, confirmed that the attacks appeared to be simultaneous, noting that “another explosion occurred around the Post Office. It felt like the entire city was under attack.”

While authorities are yet to officially confirm the cause of the explosions, residents and local sources suspect the involvement of Boko Haram insurgents, who have carried out similar coordinated attacks in the past.

Emergency responders and security agencies have since been deployed to the affected areas, with rescue operations ongoing as officials work to evacuate the injured and recover victims.

Sources within the emergency response teams indicate that the death toll has risen significantly, with at least 131 fatalities recorded so far, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries. Hospitals across Maiduguri are reportedly overwhelmed as medical personnel struggle to attend to victims.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities are yet to release an official statement on the incident, but security has been heightened across the city to prevent further attacks.