By: Manoah Kikekon
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a scathing condemnation of the coordinated bomb blasts that rocked Maiduguri, Borno State, on Monday evening. The attacks, which resulted in the tragic death of at least 23 people and left over 100 others injured, have sparked renewed concerns over the stability of the North-East region and the efficacy of Nigeria’s current security architecture.
In a formal statement released on Tuesday by the National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the incident as a national tragedy. The ADC emphasized that terrorism in any part of the country constitutes an assault on all Nigerians, expressing deep sympathy for the victims and families in a city that has historically borne the brunt of insurgency.
A central theme of the ADC’s critique was the perceived "leadership vacuum" during this crisis. The party expressed disappointment that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently in the United Kingdom while the nation mourns.
“Moments like this demand the full and undivided attention of the nation's leadership. It is therefore troubling that the President is currently outside the country at a time when such a serious security breach has occurred,” the statement read.
The party further alleged that the President has remained silent regarding the victims and the soldiers who lost their lives, choosing instead to focus on international engagements while "Nigerians mourn and soldiers are being buried."
The ADC did not hold back in its assessment of top security officials, accusing them of prioritizing political maneuvers over national safety. The statement highlighted several grievances: The National Security Adviser: Accused of targeting opposition figures and using conciliatory language toward bandits. The Minister of Defence: Criticized for appearing on television to discuss the APC national convention instead of focusing on counter-insurgency. Institutional Distraction: The party argued that these "dangerous distractions" are actively costing Nigerian lives.
According to reports from the Borno State Police Command, confirmed by ASP Nahum Daso, the coordinated attacks hit three separate locations across the city. The current casualty toll stands at: Confirmed Deaths 23, Injured Persons 108, Locations Hit 3.
While the ADC commended the bravery of first responders and security personnel on the ground, they warned that Maiduguri must not be allowed to slide back into an era of routine coordinated bombings.
The ADC concluded its statement by demanding an immediate and transparent security review of the North-East situation. They urged the Federal Government to provide a clear briefing to the public on the status of counter-insurgency operations and ensured that victims receive the necessary medical care and compensation.