Residents of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, have been thrown into panic following multiple explosions at the Giwa Barracks early Thursday morning.
The explosions, which began around 12:05 am, sent shockwaves through the surrounding area, prompting many to flee their homes due to the loud blasts and the sight of red flares lighting up the sky.
While the exact cause of the explosions remains unclear, eyewitnesses confirmed that the blasts originated from the barracks’ armoury area.
One resident, Rakiya Garba, reported seeing fire service personnel at the scene, with sirens blaring as they rushed to control the situation.
“We are safe, but we are in fear. The explosions are coming from inside the barracks. It’s not an attack, as we’re not hearing any gunshots. But it’s been a series of sporadic explosions,” Garba said.
The Deputy Governor of Borno State, Dr. Umar Kadafur, has since addressed the situation, attributing the explosions to a fire incident that broke out at the Giwa Barracks’ armoury.
He dismissed rumors suggesting a Boko Haram attack and reassured the public that security forces were fully engaged in managing the situation.
Dr. Kadafur urged residents to remain indoors as security operatives continue to work on containing the fire and ensuring public safety.
