Two political figures from the opposition party, Peter Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, and Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President, have in strong terms condemned Monday’s multiple bomb explosions in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, saying that the incident is a true reflection of the worsening state of insecurity in the country, news.ng reports.
Obi, reacting to the incident in a post on his X account on Tuesday, said the incident once more reminds us of the level of decay and lack of attention leaders are giving to insecurity.
Obi bemoaned the nature of the attacks, which involved innocent and harmless Nigerians.
He said:
“The nation is once again engulfed in grief and outrage following the horrific explosions in Maiduguri, Borno State, yesterday. These tragic events serve as a painful reminder of how far we have strayed from the fundamental duty of governance: the protection of lives and property.
“The fact that several innocent Nigerians can be killed in multiple coordinated attacks, with over a hundred others injured in vulnerable places like markets and near hospitals, highlights a troubling reality.”
Monday’s attacks add another layer to recent incidents in the North East, North West, and North Central, including Zamfara State, Nasarawa State, Kogi State, Benue State, Plateau State, Sokoto State, and the Federal Capital Territory.
Obi, who contested for the presidency on the platform of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, said in dismay, “These moments test not only our security architecture but also the very essence of leadership.
“Such a grave national emergency requires immediate presence, attention, and action. It is crucial to cancel any planned trips to visit affected communities in favour of prioritising efforts to safeguard lives.”
Meanwhile, Atiku expressed grief over the attacks, calling on the administration of President Bola Tinubu to review its strategy in the fight against insecurity.
“I am very sad at the latest terrorist attacks in Borno State and the resurfacing of suicide bombings that were hitherto defeated. While I commend the sacrifices of our servicemen in the conduct of unconventional warfare, the Tinubu administration should review its strategies. The resurgence of terrorism is capable of eroding public confidence in the ability of the government to protect its own citizens,” he warned.
Commenting on the government’s perceived lackadaisical approach to the insecurity crisis, Atiku called on the government to move from words to action.
“Nigerians are not impressed with the government’s statements condemning terrorist attacks. They are more concerned about results. Results speak louder than the tough government’s rhetoric.
“A mother in Maiduguri is not asking for press releases. She is asking why her child was blown apart in a place the government claimed was ‘liberated.’… You cannot campaign for 2027 on the graves of the people you failed to protect in 2026,” Atiku declared.
