Follow Us on Google
By John Ogunsemore
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said 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.
Atiku said this in a Tuesday statement condemning Monday bombings in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The Borno State Police Command confirmed on Tuesday that 23 persons were killed and 108 injured following triple explosions in Maiduguri.
The explosions, which occurred on Monday evening, struck three locations – the El-Kanemi Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), and the Post Office area.
The police blamed suicide bombers for the attacks.
Reacting, Atiku expressed sadness over the terrorist attacks and “resurfacing of suicide bombing that were hitherto defeated”.
He added, “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 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.”
Other News
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain said Nigerians were not impressed with the government’s statements condemning terrorist attacks, insisting that they were more concerned about results as results speak louder than tough government rhetoric.
Atiku argued that the Tinubu government appears to be more obsessed with crushing opposition politicians than it is with fixing the worsening security challenges.
He maintained that terrorists remain on the offensive despite marching orders issued by the president to security chiefs.
The ex-VP noted that terrorists don’t know the difference between APC supporters and opposition sympathisers, adding that it is therefore unhelpful to dismiss honest advice as politically motivated.
He said, “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.
“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.'”
Atiku said Tinubu, who is on a state visit to the United Kingdom, must explain to British monarch, King Charles, why he “left behind fresh graves and weeping widows to come and smile for the cameras”.
He added, “Bola Tinubu claims he sent ‘marching orders.’ The terrorists sent suicide bombers. Nigerians can see who is winning.
“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.”
