Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has criticised the federal government’s response to the recent bombings in Maiduguri, describing the official reaction as inadequate.

The attacks, which occurred on Monday around 7:24 pm, left 23 people dead and 108 others injured. Explosions rocked a busy market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office flyover.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ndume urged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to prioritise governance and public safety over politics, especially in the run-up to the 2027 elections.

“We seem to have abandoned the people for politics. Those who are supposed to vote are dying,” Ndume said. “President Tinubu must focus on governance. He should address the safety and welfare of Nigerians first. Without this, the government risks becoming the enemy of the people.”

Ndume stressed that issuing press statements alone would not suffice, calling for a stronger demonstration of concern, including visits to the affected areas.

“It is not enough to release a strongly worded statement. The scale of death and injury demands national mourning. If President Tinubu cannot visit Borno, Vice President Kashim Shettima should go to reassure Nigerians that their plight matters,” he said.

The lawmaker also urged security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and investigations to prevent further attacks. He revealed that one of the Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) was detonated from a tricycle, which could help trace the perpetrators.

Ndume expressed sympathy for the Borno State government, residents, and families of the victims, stressing the urgent need for effective action.