Maiduguri Bomb Blasts: Nigeria Must Not Return To Terror Era, Northern Groups Warn

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has strongly condemned the deadly bomb attacks in Maiduguri, warning that Nigeria must not slide back into an era of terrorism, fear, and mass killings. The explosions, which occurred on Monday night, targeted multiple locations including the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, the Monday Market, and […]

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has strongly condemned the deadly bomb attacks in Maiduguri, warning that Nigeria must not slide back into an era of terrorism, fear, and mass killings.

The explosions, which occurred on Monday night, targeted multiple locations including the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, the Monday Market, and the Post Office area. The attacks left at least 23 people dead and more than 100 others injured, according to security and emergency officials. �

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The incidents have raised fresh concerns over security in the North-East, a region that has battled insurgency for over a decade.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the group described the coordinated attacks as “barbaric and cowardly,” warning that they threaten the fragile peace gradually being restored in the region.

“These despicable acts are not only an attack on innocent lives but a direct assault on our collective humanity, our national stability, and the fragile peace that the people of Maiduguri and indeed the entire North-East have worked so hard to rebuild,” Charanchi said.

The group stressed that the attacks must not be allowed to signal a return to the dark days of widespread violence.

“Let this be stated with absolute clarity that Nigeria must never, and will never, return to the dark era of bomb blasts, fear, and mass killings. Never again!” he added.

CNG expressed condolences to the families of victims, as well as to the government and people of Borno State, while praying for the speedy recovery of those injured.

The coalition also called for urgent and decisive action from the Federal Government, the Borno State Government, and security agencies, urging them to move beyond routine responses and confront the renewed threat.

It further raised concerns over what the group described as renewed activities linked to Boko Haram in parts of the North-East, noting that the development coincides with the controversial deployment of foreign troops in the region.

“We restate our position that Nigeria has the capacity and institutional strength to tackle its security challenges without reliance on foreign troops, whose presence may complicate the situation,” Charanchi said.

He urged the Federal Government to review its security approach and ensure that all strategies are anchored on national interest, accountability, and transparency.

The group also renewed its call for authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible for financing terrorism.

“Those who fund and sustain terror must no longer operate with impunity; they must be tracked, prosecuted, and dealt with decisively, without fear or favour,” he said.

CNG emphasised the need for strong leadership and coordination in addressing the security situation, noting that the resurgence of attacks highlights the need for improved intelligence and strategy.

“The resurgence of such attacks is a painful reminder that terrorism, though degraded, has not been completely defeated. It requires renewed strategy, stronger intelligence coordination, and visible leadership at all levels,” the statement added.

The coalition also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to cut short his ongoing trip to the United Kingdom and return to take direct charge of the situation, describing his presence as “imperative” at a time of renewed violence.

It further called on authorities to adopt modern technology and new strategies to decisively confront the threat, warning against complacency.

“The people of Maiduguri have suffered enough. The North-East has paid a heavy price. Nigeria must not be dragged backwards into an era we have collectively resisted with great sacrifice,” the group said.

CNG urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies, while calling for national unity in the fight against terrorism.

“Together, we must stand united against terror and defend the peace and stability of our nation,” the statement added.