Boko Haram: More Bomb Explosions in Maiduguri Nigeria Is A Sign of Desperation, Say Army.

* Abubarkar Shekau: Boko Haram Leader

by Vanguard News | Nigeria

New multiple explosions ripped through Nigeria's North Eastern city of Maiduguri in Borno State on Sunday, killing at least 54 and injuring more than 90 in a Mosque, as Muslim gathered for prayers.

 It was described as the latest act of desperation by Boko Haram. There has been warning of possible rise in casualties.

It comes days after a suicide-bomber killed 5 in Northern Cameroon and just within a week after President Muhammadu Buhari revealed to the Nigerian community in Paris that he declined an offer by the terror group to exchange school girls kidnapped in April 2014 from their hostel in Chibok for one member of the group with expert IED-making experience.

According to the a spokesman of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ibrahim Abdulkadir, Sunday's blasts happened shortly after 7:20 pm on Sunday, in the Gomari and Ajilari areas of Maiduguri.

In a report credited to AFP, Abdulkadir said: “Our team responded promptly by evacuating bodies of victims to the mortuaries and those injured to the hospitals for treatment,” adding “The casualty is high. One of the explosives was planted in a mosque where people were praying.”

He gave no details on possible casualties bu warned that casualties may be huge.

According to media reports, Nigeria’s military confirmed three bombs went off in the city but also did not give any casualty figures.

“Although details are not clear, it is important to note the attacks signify high level of desperation on the part of the Boko Haram terrorists,” said army spokesman Sani Usman.