54 feared killed, over 50 injured in Maiduguri fresh multiple blasts

Stakeholders seek end to insurgency
SUSPECTED Boko Haram terrorists simultaneously detonated four separate Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) at a mosque and a viewing centre in Ajilari T-junction of Maiduguri metropolis, killing 54 people and injured over 50 others at the weekend at 7.25 p.m.

The mosque blast, according to an eyewitness, Modu Kachala, killed nine people, including those outside, before another simultaneous two explosives were detonated at the Ajilari local night market and the bus stop, and injured over two dozens of traders and passersby.

“The four explosives were planted by the fleeing suspected terrorists from Sambisa Forest. They could have sneaked into these areas about a week or two to plant these bombs in this mosque and other soft targeted areas of a local market and other strategic locations,” said Kachala, adding that a suspect also threw a grenade at the viewing centre from an unmarked vehicle.

An anonymous security guard, attached to the viewing centre, also told The Guardian that the suspected bombers sneaked into Gomari Ward through the rear and south flank of Ajilari area.

“These insurgents could have crossed River Ngadabul with the
explosives before planting some of them at our mosque that killed 18 people and at this night local market. These gunmen are fleeing the forests because of the ongoing Operation Lafiya Dole by the military,” said a member of CJTF, Isa Ibrahim.

He said nine of his colleagues were also killed while patrolling the Gomari and Ajilari areas of Maiduguri.

Also, to mark the 2015 International Day of Peace, stakeholders have urged for a Nigeria free of violent conflicts and an end to the Boko Haram insurgency, even as the military reassures on its commitment to peace in the country.

At an event to mark the day in Abuja, Director-General of the Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Prof. Oshita Oshita, said though Nigeria has been involved in conflict resolution in Africa and around the globe since 1960 when it gained independence, but as regards the insurgency currently being experienced in the country, West Africa would be in trouble if Nigeria was unstable.

Others who spoke at the event, including UN Resident Co-Ordinator, Jean Gough, who read the message of UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, said that all people of the world should promote peace.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Folashade Yemi Esan, who was represented at the event, suggested national and transnational partnership to end the Boko Haram menace.

Representative of the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, recalled the involvement of Nigeria Police in peace-keeping around the world, noting that the police had set up a committee in the affected areas to obtain peace.