Sanni Muhammad, 35, and his 17-year-old brother, Bashir, said they were heading to the Monday Market area on Monday evening when the explosions occurred.

Delay changes course of events

Sanni said they left their home on Damboa Road around 6:45 p.m. to pick up items he had earlier purchased.

He said he had first planned to send his younger brother alone but later decided they should go together.

On their way, traffic slowed near a junction after a vehicle stalled at a traffic light.

That delay, he said, may have saved their lives.

“If not for that moment, we would have been at the exact spot when the explosion happened,” he said.

Coordinated attacks hit key locations

Suspected suicide bombers struck three locations across Maiduguri. The Post Office Flyover, the Monday Market axis and the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

Police confirmed the attacks and said the affected areas were secured and swept for additional threats by explosive ordnance teams.

Investigations are ongoing.

Victim expresses gratitude, calls for vigilance

Sanni said he remains grateful to be alive and expressed sympathy for victims and their families.

He called for stronger surveillance and improved security across the city, especially in crowded areas.

Zulum condemns attack

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the incident, describing it as cruel and targeting innocent residents during Ramadan.

In a statement, he said the recent increase in attacks may be linked to ongoing military operations against insurgents in Sambisa Forest and other locations.

He assured residents that security agencies are taking steps to prevent further incidents.