Blasts Heard in Maiduguri

At least 15 explosions were reported yesterday in Gwange and London
Ciki areas of Maiduguri.
Residents said the first blast was heard around 5.40pm, shortly before
the sunset (Maghrib) prayers. "The sound was thunderous and rattled
many of us...the first bomb exploded not far from Bama Road in Gwange
area," a resident said.
"Before we entered our houses, we heard deafening and simultaneous
blasts from many directions," he said.
Another resident, who does not want his name in print, said he escaped
being killed while on his way home.
"I was told that trouble started when some insurgents, armed with guns
and explosives attempted to burn a primary school and some
communication masts along Custain but the movewas repelled by
soldiers.
"That was when the attackers started hurling explosives and
themilitary equally mobilized to the area with armoured tanks.
"The attackers then moved into Gwange and the explosions continued.
"There was shower of blasts in Gwange and London Cikibut nobody can
tell you the level of damage or the number of casualties. Personally,
I heard the sound of 18 explosions," he said.
Daily Trust reports that sound of gunshots equally rented the air
inthe affected areas.