A severe shortage of blood donors, particularly individuals with the A blood group, is endangering the lives of victims injured in the recent triple suicide bomb explosions in Maiduguri, health workers and residents have warned.
Many of the injured are receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and other medical centres across the city.
Several patients are reportedly in critical condition and require urgent blood transfusions to survive.
A health worker, who spoke on condition of anonymity, made an emotional appeal to the public to donate blood immediately.
“Please, if you or anyone you know has A blood group and can donate, kindly reach out immediately. Your support can save a life,” the source said.
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Relatives of some victims, including Mallam Usman Mohammed and Babagana Yusuf, also urged residents—especially eligible donors—to visit hospitals and treatment centres to assist in the ongoing emergency response.
Health officials said the current shortage has been worsened by the ongoing Ramadan fast, which has limited the number of potential donors available during the day.
Meanwhile, the Borno State Police Command confirmed that at least 23 people were killed and 108 others injured in the coordinated explosions.
However, some local sources suggested that the casualty figures could rise as medical teams continue to assess the extent of injuries.
Authorities and medical personnel have called for increased public support, stressing that timely blood donations could significantly improve survival chances for many of the wounded as emergency response efforts continue in the state.