The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately cut short his state visit to the United Kingdom and return to Nigeria following the deadly bomb explosions in Maiduguri, Borno State.

On Monday evening, 23 people lost their lives while 108 others sustained injuries in coordinated blasts at three locations in Maiduguri: a busy market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office flyover. The attacks occurred around 7:24 pm.

In a statement on Tuesday, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC’s national publicity secretary, condemned the bombings and expressed heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families.

“Terrorism anywhere in Nigeria is an attack on all Nigerians. At moments like this, the nation must rally behind the people affected,” he said.

Abdullahi stressed that the attacks raise serious concerns about the country’s security situation. “Maiduguri, which had begun to enjoy relative stability in recent years, should not slide back into a state where coordinated bomb attacks threaten ordinary citizens,” he added.

He criticised the absence of the President at such a critical moment, pointing out what he described as distractions within the government. “While Nigerian soldiers and civilians are being killed by terrorists, those charged with protecting the country are preoccupied with politics of self-succession. The National Security Adviser is targeting opposition figures, and the Minister of Defence is focused on party politics. This is not leadership; it is a dangerous distraction that costs lives,” Abdullahi said.

The ADC emphasised that the primary responsibility of government is the protection of lives. “It is troubling that the President is abroad while Nigerians face serious security threats. We urge President Tinubu to return immediately and demonstrate that the protection of lives is a priority,” the party stated.

The statement further recommended that the government take full responsibility for lives lost in such attacks, including providing compensation to the families of both civilians and military personnel. “Condolences and condemnations alone are no longer enough. Government must act decisively to protect lives,” Abdullahi concluded.