The party also criticised the nation’s leadership, expressing concern over the absence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at a time of crisis.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the Monday evening bomb blasts in Maiduguri, Borno State, describing the attacks as a tragedy that has left innocent Nigerians dead and many others injured.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi on Tuesday, the party said, “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) strongly condemns the bomb blasts that have shaken Maiduguri, Borno State, leaving innocent Nigerians dead and many others injured.”
The party expressed sympathy for victims and residents of the city, noting, “Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and the people of Maiduguri, a city that has endured more than its fair share of pain over the years. Terrorism anywhere in Nigeria is an attack on all Nigerians.”
While commending emergency responders, the ADC raised concerns about the broader security situation, stating, “We commend the courage of first responders and security personnel who are working to assist the injured and restore calm. But this tragic incident also raises serious questions about the state of security in our country.”
The statement further warned against a relapse into heightened insecurity in the North-East, adding that Maiduguri “should not be returning to a situation where coordinated bomb attacks once again threaten the safety of ordinary citizens going about their daily lives.”
The party also criticised the nation’s leadership, expressing concern over the absence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at a time of crisis.
“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.
It further alleged politicisation of security institutions, stating, “At a time when Nigerian soldiers and civilians are being killed by terrorists, those charged with protecting the country are focused on politics instead of security.”
The ADC added, “The National Security Adviser is going after opposition figures and calling bandits his ‘brothers’, while the Minister of Defence is on television planning the APC national convention. This is not leadership. It is a dangerous distraction, and it is costing lives.”
The party also criticised the President’s ongoing visit to the United Kingdom, saying, “Instead, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is abroad, exchanging pleasantries with the King and Queen of England while Nigerians mourn and soldiers are being buried.”
The statement noted that “not a word has been spared for the victims or the brave soldiers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service of Nigeria,” stressing that “the primary duty of government is the protection of lives, and that duty is not being met.”
The ADC called for urgent government action, including “an immediate and transparent security review of the situation in the North East,” as well as “a clear briefing to the Nigerian people on the current state of counter-insurgency operations in the region.”
It also urged authorities to ensure “victims receive urgent medical care” and that “adequate support and compensation are provided to affected families.”
Highlighting the scale of insecurity, the party said, “Nigeria cannot continue on a path where the loss of lives becomes routine. We are only in the third month of the year, and already thousands of Nigerians have been killed in violent attacks across the country. This is unacceptable.”
“The safety of Nigerians must remain the highest priority of government at all times,” the statement added.
Earlier, it was reported that no fewer than 23 persons had been confirmed dead, while 108 others sustained varying degrees of injuries following multiple bomb explosions that rocked Maiduguri on Monday evening.
The coordinated attacks occurred at three separate locations across the city, throwing residents into panic and prompting a swift response from security agencies and emergency services.
A statement issued by Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso on Tuesday confirmed the casualty figures.
