Popular activist VeryDarkMan has sparked fresh concern over insecurity in Nigeria’s North-East after sharing a disturbing eyewitness account from Maiduguri, where multiple suicide bombings killed at least 30 people and left more than 108 injured during Ramadan iftar on Monday, March 16, 2026.
The attacks reportedly targeted three busy locations the Monday Market, Old Post Office bus park, and the gate of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital all known for heavy human traffic, especially during evening hours when residents break their fast.
During a visit to the affected sites on Tuesday, the activist described the attacks as calculated and deliberate, alleging that the perpetrators timed the explosions to coincide with peak activity.
“They waited for the rush hour to get more casualties,” he said. “Most shops open around 6pm after fasting so people can buy food. This is also where many homeless people and Almajiri gather every evening hoping to get free meals.”
He further claimed that there were indications the attackers initially intended to move an explosive device into the hospital premises, potentially causing even greater devastation.
His remarks have reignited public outrage and frustration, as he questioned the government’s handling of the prolonged insurgency in the region.
“Maiduguri and Borno State have received countless attacks like this in the past, so this is not new. The question I have for the government is: when does this stop?” he asked.
Meanwhile, residents who spoke to The News Chronicle expressed deep fear and uncertainty following the attacks. Many said the atmosphere in the city has become tense, with growing anxiety over the possibility of further bombings.
An anonymous resident who accompanied the activist during his visit stated that Maiduguri remains a repeated target, with vulnerable populations often bearing the brunt of such attacks.
Another resident lamented that the timing of the incident, just days before the Sallah celebrations, has heightened panic across the city.
“With about three to four days left for Sallah, people are scared. We don’t know what these terrorists are planning next,” the resident told The News Chronicle.
The latest incident underscores ongoing security challenges in the North-East, despite years of military operations aimed at curbing insurgency.
Residents are now calling for intensified security measures to prevent further loss of lives, particularly during festive periods when public gatherings are common.
