President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned in the strongest terms the simultaneous terror attacks in three parts of the country within a few days.

“The attacks in Maiduguri, Yola and Abuja were apparently timed to coincide with Independence Day celebrations when Nigerians would be commemorating and rejoicing,” Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said this evening in a statement issued in Abuja.

“The President condoles with the families of the dead and prays for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Adesina said, adding:

“These cowardly attacks expose the real face of the planners and perpetrators of these crimes. What quarrel do they have with the good people of Nyanya motor park? What issue do they have with innocent people in market places in Maiduguri and Yola?

“It is clear this battle is not ideological. It is between the forces of peace and order and the evil forces of murder and destruction. Security forces and other local authorities have been instructed to maintain extra vigilance to forestall future attacks. The Armed Forces have been empowered to crush what remains of Boko Haram. This government is determined to stamp out Boko Haram and all other terrorists of whatever persuasions and bring all sponsors to justice.”

•Photo shows one of the scenes of last night’s Boko Haram attacks in Abuja.