The African Union, AU, has condemned the series of bomb explosions that struck Maiduguri on the night of March 16, describing the attacks as unacceptable.
According to police reports, at least 23 people lost their lives while 108 others sustained injuries after explosions occurred at three separate locations in the city during the Muslim breaking of fast.
In response, President Bola Tinubu ordered security chiefs to move operations to the affected city.
He also expressed condolences to the families of those killed and sympathy for the injured, reaffirming his support for residents of the state.
The president’s position was conveyed in a statement by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Reacting to the development, AU commission Chairperson Mahmoud Youssouf, through his spokesperson Nuur Sheekh, expressed solidarity with Nigeria and extended condolences to victims’ families, while wishing the injured a quick recovery.
“The Chairperson reiterates the African Union’s unequivocal rejection and firm condemnation of all forms of violence perpetrated by terrorist elements and violent extremist groups against civilian populations and security officials,” the statement reads.
The AU noted that such acts represent serious violations of human rights and threaten peace and stability within affected communities.
Youssouf also acknowledged the efforts of the federal government of Nigeria and the Borno state government in tackling terrorism and improving security in Maiduguri and surrounding areas in recent years.
He stressed that the latest attack highlights the ongoing threat of terrorism and the need for sustained vigilance.
The AU further called on the international community to intensify support for Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region through humanitarian aid, intelligence sharing, capacity building, and long-term development initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of extremism.
“The African Union reaffirms that only through a whole-of-society, collective security and action approach, strengthened cooperation, and sustained commitment can the threat of terrorism be effectively defeated and lasting peace secured, in line with relevant African Union instruments and frameworks on conflict prevention, counter-terrorism, and peacebuilding,” he added.
Youssouf reiterated the AU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in achieving lasting peace and stability.
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