Naija News • 2h ago
‘I heard a loud sound and my neck started bleeding’, victim of Maiduguri explosions speaks
**Maiduguri Blasts: A Terrifying Account from a Survivor**
In the early hours of Monday night, a devastating explosion rocked Maiduguri, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in its wake. One of the victims, Abacha Mustapha, has shared a harrowing account of the incident from his hospital bed at the Umaru Shehu Hospital.
Mustapha recounts how he was preparing to close his shop after breaking his fast when the blast occurred. "I heard a loud sound, and suddenly I felt a sharp pain in my neck, and I started bleeding badly," he said. The impact of the blast sent people into a state of panic, with traders and residents scrambling for safety.
"It was chaotic, with people running in different directions, some falling, others shouting. I couldn't even understand what was happening at first," Mustapha added. However, his quick-thinking brother sprang into action, using his cloth to tie Mustapha's neck to stop the bleeding before rushing him to the hospital.
Medical personnel at the hospital have confirmed that several victims were brought in, many with varying degrees of injuries, including shrapnel wounds and burns. The blasts occurred at the entrance gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Monday Market, and Post Office areas of the city.
According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the death toll from the incident stands at 23, with a total of 146 persons currently being treated. Surajo Abdullahi, a Zonal Coordinator at NEMA, confirmed that 169 victims had been evacuated to three hospitals in Maiduguri.
As the people of Maiduguri come to terms with the devastating effects of the blasts, Mustapha's story serves as a poignant reminder of the horrors faced by innocent civilians in the midst of conflict. His bravery and the selfless act of his brother are a testament to the resilience of the Nigerian people.
**Note:** The incident in Maiduguri is a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, particularly in the North-East region. The blasts are a tragic reminder of the impact of conflict on innocent civilians and the need for concerted efforts to address the root causes of these incidents.