Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA — Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing the Borno South Senatorial District, has sharply criticised the federal government’s response to the devastating bomb explosions that rocked Maiduguri on March 16, 2026, insisting that strong words and press releases are insufficient and urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima to personally visit the affected city to show solidarity and leadership. Authorities confirm that at least 23 people were killed and 108 injured in a series of suspected suicide bombings in the northeastern city, a stark reminder of the persistent extremist threat in the region.
The bombings struck almost simultaneously around 7:02 p.m. local time in three busy locations — the entrance to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, the Post Office roundabout, and the Monday Market, where people had gathered during Ramadan to break their fast. The blasts caused significant destruction and left nearby hospitals overwhelmed with casualties. Eyewitnesses and emergency responders described scenes of chaos as they struggled to treat the injured amid heavy bloodied debris and distraught families.
Although no organisation has publicly claimed responsibility, security officials suspect Boko Haram or its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), given their historical activity in Borno State and capability to carry out coordinated attacks. The region has been a theatre of Islamist insurgency since 2002, displacing millions and claiming thousands of lives over nearly two decades.
In a statement released on March 17, Ndume described the federal government’s public response as inadequate. “It is not enough to put up a strongly worded press statement,” he said, stressing that the magnitude of the tragedy warrants national mourning and decisive leadership action from the nation’s highest office bearers. He argued that while condolences are necessary, they must be matched with visible support on the ground.
The senator called on President Tinubu to make the journey to Maiduguri himself, but added that if the president is unable to, then Vice President Shettima should undertake the visit to reassure citizens that the federal government genuinely cares about their plight. Ndume’s appeal echoes frustrations among many Northeastern residents and political actors that the response to the bombings has lacked urgency and meaningful engagement.
Ndume also used his remarks to urge the government to focus on security and governance rather than political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections. “We seem to have abandoned the people for politics,” he said, adding that the people who will vote in future elections are dying from insecurity now. His comments reflect broader concerns that public safety is being overshadowed by political ambition.
He further called for intensified intelligence gathering and a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the bombings. In a detail he highlighted, Ndume said he learned one of the improvised explosive devices was allegedly detonated from a tricycle, which he believes should help trace its origin through official vehicle records, potentially exposing those involved.
The attacks have drawn intense national scrutiny not only because of the casualties but also due to the context in which they occurred. At the time of the bombings, President Tinubu was on a state visit to the United Kingdom, a fact that has drawn criticism from other political quarters. The African Democratic Congress publicly called on Tinubu to abandon his overseas trip and return immediately to Nigeria to lead the security response, arguing that issuing condemnations from abroad was insufficient.
The federal government condemned the attacks in strong terms, describing the acts as terrorism. President Tinubu ordered senior security officials to relocate to Maiduguri to coordinate relief operations and bolster counter‑terrorism efforts. Security forces have since increased patrols and heightened vigilance in Maiduguri and across other vulnerable cities. Authorities continue to investigate and have pledged that those behind the bombings will be brought to justice.
In Maiduguri, hospitals reported an influx of injured victims, with over 200 people treated in emergency departments and some dying on the way to medical facilities. Local volunteers and medical personnel issued urgent calls for blood donations and additional medical supplies as they worked to manage the influx of patients.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State condemned the blasts as barbaric and urged residents to remain calm and vigilant. He appealed for community cooperation with security agencies to prevent further attacks and reassure frightened residents. His remarks highlighted the emotional toll on a city still healing from years of violent insurgency.
The bombings have also reignited debates about Nigeria’s broader security strategy, with civil society organisations and opposition figures urging comprehensive reforms. Analysts point out that while Maiduguri had enjoyed a relative lull in major urban attacks, the insurgency has shown resilience, with recent offensives increasing in both intensity and sophistication. Such attacks disrupt economic activity and compound the humanitarian challenges facing displaced populations and vulnerable communities in the northeast.
Civil rights groups and advocacy organisations have called on the government to go beyond military responses, urging investments in community protection, socio‑economic development, and trauma support for survivors. These broader measures, they argue, are key to addressing the root causes of extremism and fostering long‑term stability.
Religious figures and community leaders in Maiduguri have echoed calls for unity and mutual support amidst grief. Imams and pastors urged citizens to condemn violence and work collectively toward healing, emphasising that division and political blame‑games could hinder the path to recovery.
As Nigeria mourns the victims and leaders grapple with how best to respond, the pleas from Senator Ndume and others reflect a broader demand for visible leadership, accountability, and strengthened security measures. The bombings underscore the persistent threat of extremist violence and the urgency of strategies that prioritise the protection of lives over political posturing. Whether the federal government’s actions in the coming days will meet these expectations remains a central question for many Nigerians.
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