President Bola Tinubu and his wife Remi have departed for a state visit to the United Kingdom, even as security forces investigate three simultaneous suicide bombings in Maiduguri that killed at least 23 people and injured 108 others.
The explosions struck the Monday Market, the Post Office flyover area and the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital on Monday evening, triggering panic across Borno State’s capital.
Borno State Police Command spokesman ASP Nahum Daso confirmed the toll in a statement issued on Tuesday: “Following the devastating suspected suicide IED explosions… Regrettably, 23 persons lost their lives, while 108 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.”
He added that a joint team of police, military and emergency responders had secured the scenes and evacuated victims to hospitals.
Despite the crisis, Tinubu boarded his presidential jet at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport after receiving send-off from senior officials including Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The presidency described the UK trip as aimed at strengthening bilateral trade ties.
