A group, the National Coalition Against Mass Killings and Impunity (NCAMKI), has condemned the deadly bomb attacks in Maiduguri, warning that Nigeria must not return to an era of terrorism, fear and mass killings.

The explosions occurred at the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Monday Market and Post Office areas, shattering the fragile peace gradually being rebuilt after years of insurgency in the North-East.

The coalition, which shared the deep pain, outrage, and frustration of Nigerians over the continuing killings, banditry, and terrorist violence across the country, said no society should normalise the loss of innocent lives.

NCAMKI particularly commiserates with families of victims, the government and people of Borno State, and the Shehu of Borno, whose domain has again been thrown into mourning.

It also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the blasts.

The group, in a statement signed by its Deputy Coordinator and General Secretary, Tunde Solomon Agunbiade, 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 decisively confront the renewed threat.

The group, therefore, called on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to identify and decisively deal with sponsors and financiers of terrorism.

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

NCAMKI further urged the relevant authorities to adopt appropriate technology, and new strategy to decisively confront and neutralise this resurgence of terror.

“We understand why many citizens feel that way. When attacks reoccur, perpetrators go unpunished, and communities remain devastated and unprotected. It creates a perception that someone very powerful somewhere must be enabling the violence.

“However, NCAMKI maintains a responsible and evidence-based position:

“There are serious security failures and gaps that must be addressed urgently.

“ Impunity, the failure to arrest and prosecute attackers fuels further violence.

“Possible collaboration by criminal informants or local enablers /benefactors should be investigated.

“Allegations of official complicity must be proven through credible and independent inquiry.

“We must demand truth and not speculation because unverified accusations can inflame tensions and distract from real solutions,” it noted.

The coalition stressed that justice has been painfully slow or non-existent as in many instances, while survivors need protection, relief, rehabilitation, and resettlement.

NCAMKI, therefore, called for immediate protection of vulnerable communities, arrest and prosecution of perpetrators/benefactors and sponsors, independent investigations into major attacks, support for victims and displaced persons, as well as strengthening intelligence and early-warning systems, accountability of all security and public officials.

ALSO, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has condemned the deadly bomb attacks in Maiduguri.

In a statement by its National Coordinator, Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the groups described the coordinated explosions as “barbaric and cowardly.”

CNG said the attacks were not only heinous but also a troubling indication that terrorist elements were once again testing the resolve of the nation.

The coalition, however, raised concerns over renewed activities linked to Boko Haram in parts of the North-East, warning that the resurgence coincides with the controversial deployment of foreign troops in the region.

Charanchi said, “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.

“The CNG is deeply concerned by renewed activities linked to Boko Haram in parts of the North-East, which coincide with the controversial deployment of American troops in the area. We opposed such deployment ab initio.

“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.

“The Federal Government must urgently review this approach and ensure all security strategies are anchored on national interest, accountability, and transparency.

“CNG also renews its call on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to identify and decisively deal with sponsors and financiers of terrorism.

“Those who fund and sustain terror must no longer operate with impunity; they must be tracked, prosecuted, and dealt with ruthlessly without fear or favour, regardless of status or connections.” (The Guardian)

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