Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the recent spate of terrorist attacks in Maiduguri, warning that the resurgence of violence could undermine public confidence in the government and urging an urgent review of security strategies.
In a statement on Tuesday, Atiku said, “I am very sad at the latest terrorist attacks in Borno State and the resurfacing of suicide bombing that were hitherto defeated.”
He added, “The resurgence of terrorism is capable of eroding public confidence in the ability of the government to protect its own citizens.”
The attacks occurred on Monday night, when three suicide bombings struck nearly simultaneously at the Maiduguri Monday Market, the Post Office, and an area near the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. The explosions claimed 23 lives and left more than 100 people injured. Families have since been searching for loved ones at the affected sites.
Raising broader concerns about national security, Atiku noted, “The increased waves of killing of soldiers and civilians by terrorists is reviving sad memories of 2014 when Boko Haram was most active in the country.”
While acknowledging the sacrifices of the military, he stated, “While I commend the sacrifices of our servicemen in the conduct of unconventional warfare, the Tinubu administration should review its strategies.”
Atiku also criticised the government’s public response to insecurity, asserting, “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.”
He further alleged that, “The Tinubu government appears to be more obsessed with crushing opposition politicians than it is with fixing the worsening security challenges.
And it is obvious that despite the marching orders, the terrorists are still on the offensive.”
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Cautioning against politicising security matters, Atiku said, “Terrorists don’t know the difference between APC supporters and opposition sympathisers and it’s therefore unhelpful to dismiss honest advice as politically motivated.”
He added, “A government that is too heavily invested in the 2027 reelection campaign is unlikely to accept the reality of insecurity and attack those who dare talk about the gaps.”
Highlighting the human toll of the attacks, he remarked, “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.’”
He also criticised the timing of President Bola Tinubu’s trip abroad, stating, “Our soldiers are dying with outdated equipment while the President is on a state visit to Britain, while body parts are being gathered in Borno.”
Addressing the British monarchy directly, Atiku said, “We urge His Majesty the King, @RoyalFamily, to know that his guest left behind fresh graves and weeping widows to come and smile for the cameras.”
He went on, “Bola Tinubu claims he sent ‘marching orders.’ The terrorists sent suicide bombers. Nigerians can see who is winning.”
Atiku concluded, “A government that treats funerals as routine and criticism as treason has lost the moral authority to lead.
You cannot campaign for 2027 on the graves of the people you failed to protect in 2026.”
The police have confirmed the attacks and said investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.