‘Who will feed my children now?’, Maiduguri blast survivor laments

By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

Some survivors of the triple suicide bombings that took place at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital Main Gate, Monday Market and Post Office general area in the metropolis have counted their ordeals, but they all express gratitude to God Almighty and the Rescue Team operatives for sparing their lives.

This is as a medical worker who is not authorized to talk to the press at UMTH told our Correspondent on Tuesday that six additional victims were referred to the Theatre Unit where he works from the Emergency unit for surgery to remove shrapnel in their bodies.

Unfortunately, all telecommunications network were seized from 12 noon to 6:15pm on Tuesday making it difficult for people to communicate.

Already, Police Command gave the figure of 23 persons confirmed dead while 108 injured.

But investigations revealed that over 40 people were killed during the separate incidents. Likewise, Sources revealed that 108 victims who sustained various degree of injuries were admitted at UMTH, 18 at State Specialist Hospital, while 25 were at Umaru Shehu UltraModern Hospital.

Already, the Deputy Governor Umar Kadafur, on behalf of Governor Babagana Zulum who is out of the country performing Lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia, paid sympathy visits to the victims receiving treatment at various hospitals.

While at the UMTH, Kadafur commiserated with families of the victims, and wished the injured ones quick recovery.

He attributed the rising cases of Boko Haram attacks to the recent military onslaught on their hideouts in Sambisa Forests and other enclaves which led to decimation of scores of their members and commanders.

He also pledged Government assistance to all the families of the who lost their beloved ones.

In an interview with Journalists, the Chief Medica Director, Professor Ahmed Ahijo said, 25 people were confirmed dead, while over 70 are currently responding to treatment.

A survivor who simply gave his name as Yau Aminu at UMTH said, his ears are not responding to clear hearing due to the heavy sound of the blast that erupted with them at the UMTH main Gate.

Aminu also called on well-to-do individuals and organizations to assist families of those killed and injured in the blasts, as according to him, he was just a fruits seller before the ugly incident caught up with him.

Another survivor and a bricklayer at the Umoru Shehu UltraModern Hospital, Bulumkutu who sustained injuries injuries on his legs and right hand expressed worry on how his family can get food to eat being the only breadwinner of the family.

“I am father of five children, though I have to thank God for sparing my life, I am a bit worried on who will bring food on the table for the children as my wife is jobless, and here am I on admission”. He cried.

At the State Specialist Hospital, Nura Bukar who sustained minor injury on his forehead, but was hospitalized due to heavy bleeding and need to get blood transfusion, called on good Samaritans to visit the hospital and donate blood, as there are many victims in critical condition that need blood transfusion immediately to save lives.

More so, a victim.at the female ward of Umaru Shehu Ultramodern Hospital, Maiduguri, Aisha Mallum Gana said she was preparing to leave the market after the day’s activities when the explosion occurred.

“I sells soft drinks at the Post Office area, I was about to leave for the day when the blast erupted, thank God that I sustained minor injuries on my face and my legs. I am seriously responding to treatment u like yesterday”. She narrated.

Meanwhile, under the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that all Service Chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri, our Correspondent observed that the new Inspector General of Police, Mr
Olantunji Rilwan Disu arrived Maiduguri, where he briefly addressed his officers and men at the Borno State Police Command.

Thereafter, he told newsmen that the Nigerian Police in collaboration with the military and other security agencies are working relentlessly to end the war. Stressing that, all hands must be on deck to ensure lasting peace in the North East and the country as a whole.

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