By Musdapha Ilo, Maiduguri

The police in Maiduguri on Monday confirmed that 54 people lost their lives and 90 others sustained injuries in the multiple bomb attacks that rocked the state capital on Sunday in what is seen as the second deadliest attack since President Buhari assumed office in May.

Police spokesperson in the state, Emmanuel Isuku, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP, confirmed the casualty figures to our reporter on phone.

The Nigerian Army had on Sunday described the attacks as signifying “high level of desperation on the part of the Boko Haram terrorists,” saying it was committed to bringing an end to the insurgency as soon as possible.

According to residents, the attacks happened within minutes of one another.

“Around 7.20 pm when Muslims gathered in a mosque at the Ajilari Cross bus stop for Isha prayer, a strange heavy sound was heard and the whole place went up in smoke leading to the death of over 43 people and injuring to 34 others,” Abba Yunusa, a resident, said.

According to Yunusa, with panic setting in and people running for dear life, a second bomb went off few minutes later, also killing people, including two soldiers, and injuring some.

After five minutes, a third bomb detonated at the Yan Yashi Pick Up Van Park, not far from the scene of the second blast and killing 13 people, with several others injured.

Governor Kashim Shettima, who visited the scenes of the blasts, commiserated with families of the victims and assured that government would foot the bills for the injured.

He advised residents to be more vigilant and report suspicious objects and persons to security agents.