President Bola Tinubu and one of his main challengers in the last elections, Atiku Abubakar, have condemned the suicide bomb attacks that reportedly killed at least 18 people in some parts of Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State .
While Tinubu declared the incidents an act of terrorism, Atiku accused the federal government of failing to allow the North-East region to slip back into a “theater of terrorism and extreme violence.”
“It is unfortunate that much of the resistance that had been achieved against the Boko Haram terrorist sect is being cancelled,” Atiku posted on his X account, blaming the federal government for its unwillingness to “stand firm on the frontline.”
However, the President, in a statement released by his press aide, Ajuri Ngelale, said the attacks were a clear manifestation of the military attack on the terrorists and “the success achieved in degrading their ability to launch offensives.”
“Those who engage in unbridled violence will surely meet with justice,” he said, reiterating that his government is taking necessary measures to protect Nigerians.
Furthermore, he emphasized that efforts “will be redoubled to ensure that those who disrupt the nation, waste precious lives and disrupt law and order are completely eliminated.”
Mr. Tinubu expressed his solidarity with the victims of the attacks, the families of the deceased, as well as the Government and people of Borno State.
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The US Mission in Nigeria and Amnesty International condemn the attacks
In a statement posted on its handle
“We offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those killed and wish a full recovery to those injured,” the statement read in part, noting that the incidents are a stark reminder of the constant threat posed by terrorism in the region.
The diplomatic mission pledged its collaboration with Nigeria “in its effort to defeat terrorism and bring the perpetrators of these atrocious acts to justice.”
Amnesty International, on its own, in an X publication, described the attacks as cruel and illegal and demonstrated a despicable disregard for human life.
“Boko Haram must end its campaign of cruel and unlawful killings of civilians. “These deplorable attacks that took place at a time when people were in mourning demonstrate a complete disregard for human life,” he stated.
Coordinated bomb attacks
PREMIUM TIMES had reported how four female suicide bombers, suspected to be members of the Boko Haram group operating in Gwoza, detonated bombs at different locations, resulting in the deaths of military personnel and other civilians.
Borno police initially estimated the number of victims at six, but later official reports said the number had risen to 18.
A source familiar with the insurgents’ operations in the northeastern state told PREMIUM TIMES that the first bombing occurred at a wedding ceremony in Mararaban Gwoza.
“The second took place at a security checkpoint, killing a soldier and two civilians,” the source told our journalist in confidence.
According to him, the third incident “occurred in a shopping centre and the fourth in a cemetery”.
The incidents, he said, occurred between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., all in the same area.