Police refute bomb attack report in Maiduguri

The police in Borno state has refuted reports of Boko Haram attacks on the city of Maiduguri metropolis on Saturday morning.

Many residents across the city said they were scared of deafening sounds from gunfire and explosions at early hours of the Election Day.

EARLIER: MULTIPLE EXPLOSIONS ROCK MAIDUGURI

The explosions which went off repeatedly for at least eight times were thought to be from the Boko Haram insurgents.

There are also report of attacks in Gaidam town in neighbouring Yobe state by the insurgents.

“The gunfire were not targeted at members of the public but was for security purpose,” the state Commissioner of Police, Damian Chukwu, said in a statement.

Our correspondents report that the explosions started around 5:52am sending shivers among residents who were preparing to cast their votes.

Spokesman of the Borno state police command, DSP Edet Okon, quoted the commissioner as urging residents of the metropolis to remain calm.

“Owing to the sound of heavy gunfire heard this morning around Maiduguri Metropolis, the Commissioner of Police Borno State, CP Damian Chukwu, wishes to inform members of the public that there’s no attack on any part of Maiduguri and hence no threat to public peace and order.

“He therefore calls on all qualified voters in the state to come out en-masse to vote for candidates of their choice.

“He equally assures members of the public of the readiness of the security forces to ensure peaceful, fair and free elections in a safe environment,” the statement said.