BY NDAHI MARAMA, MAIDUGURI

As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) began distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) in Borno State, explosions rocked the popular Monday Market in Maiduguri, the state capital.

The blasts occurred around noon, yesterday.

Our correspondent in Maiduguri observed hundreds of residents around the popular Post Office area running helter skelter after the blasts.

The number of death in the blasts could not be ascertained at press time as there was no official confirmation and security agents condoned the market area.

A resident around the area told our correspondent that one bomber was arrested in the market yesterday and wondered why bombers were always targeting a particular part of the market.

He said: “Many people were killed and several others injured in the blasts, believed to have been triggered by explosives planted in a polythene bag by suspected insurgents”.

The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, spokesman, Ibrahim Abdulkadir, confirmed the blasts at the market, but said he was yet to get the details on the casualty as a rescue team was on its way to the scene.

Also, Borno State Police Commissioner, Mr. Clement Adoda, confirmed the incident, insisting that the details of casualties will be communicated to journalists.