The Nigerian Army on Sunday denied that the multiple explosions that rocked Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, was caused by insurgents.
According to the Army, the explosions were the result of a routine check on military equipment to be sure they are still functional.
Fear pervaded the entire Maiduguri city which had constantly been under attacks especially just before the general elections as loud sounds rented the air.
Various reports said the explosions were caused by insurgents. They also put the casualty figure at between 10 and 12.
Many of the residents, not knowing who was responsible for the explosions, ran from their homes in search of safety.
For example, AFP, quoted by local Nigerian media said the multiple explosions were heard from the areas of Kayamla and Dalori, leaving 10 dead and many more injured.
“The explosions were heard from Kayamla and Dalori along Bama Road since around 7:00 am today.
“We are not sure whether the terrorists are planning to invade the town, but the sound vibrating is devastating,” Kursi Yusuf, an employee at the nearby University of Maiduguri, was quoted by the AFP as saying.
But Tukur Gusau, spokesman for the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, said the early morning explosion in the outskirt of the city emanated from routine testing of military equipment.
“It is a routine test firing of our weapons to ensure that they are in a state of readiness,” he said.
