The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the bomb blasts that struck Maiduguri, Borno State, on Monday night, leaving 23 people dead and hundreds others injured.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party expressed sympathy with the victims and their families.

The ADC also raised concerns about what it described as a lack of leadership focus at a critical moment, noting that President Bola Tinubu is currently outside the country while senior officials responsible for national security are reportedly engaged in partisan political activities.

According to the ADC, the protection of lives and property must take precedence over political distractions and diplomatic ceremonies.

It therefore called on President Tinubu to urgently return to the country and attend to his primary job of protecting lives.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) strongly condemns the bomb blasts that have shaken Maiduguri, Borno State, leaving innocent Nigerians dead and many others injured.”

“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. At moments like this, the country must stand together with the people who have been affected.

“We commend the courage of first responders and security personnel who are working to assist the injured and restore calm.”

Abdullahi said the tragic incident raised the persistent questions about the state of security in the country.

He wondered why Maiduguri, which in recent years had begun to experience a measure of stability after the days of the insurgency, should not be returning to a situation where coordinated bomb attacks threaten the safety of ordinary citizens going about their daily lives.

“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 attack on national security occurred.”

“At a time when Nigerian soldiers and civilians are being wilfully killed by terrorists, those charged with protecting the country are focused on politics of self-succession. 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.

“In case this government has forgotten, those being killed by terrorists are not just numbers. Those soldiers being mowed down by bandits are people’s children, husbands, fathers and families. In any serious country, a devastating security breach would command the full attention of government. Leaders would return home, address the nation, and take responsibility.

Instead, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is abroad, exchanging pleasantries with the King and Queen of England while Nigerians mourn and soldiers are being buried. Not a word has been spared for the victims or the brave soldiers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service of Nigeria. The oath of office is clear, the primary duty of government is the protection of lives, and that duty is certainly not being met by this APC government.” (Daily Trust)