The Peoples Democratic Party has criticised Wednesday’s bomb blast at a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, describing the attack as completely unacceptable and deeply troubling.
In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the opposition party said the administration of President Bola Tinubu has fallen short in its responsibility to protect the lives and property of Nigerians.
“The news of an explosion at a mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, is another sad reminder of the rising insecurity that has become the unfortunate contemporary reality Nigerians face.
“This is totally unacceptable. The irreducible minimum the government should offer its people is the protection of lives and property. This administration has failed woefully in this respect and should rise to the occasion rather than resort to rhetoric and playing politics with security,” the party said.
The PDP expressed sympathy with families who lost loved ones in the incident, stressing that no individual should die while worshipping God.
The party warned that persistent attacks on places of worship, if left unchecked, would undermine Nigerians’ constitutional right to freely practise their faith and foster fear capable of damaging the country’s religious harmony.
“We call on the Federal and State Governments to take immediate and practical steps to protect our citizens throughout this yuletide season and beyond. Nigerians deserve more than empty promises and political rhetoric.
“We need concrete, actionable security strategies deployed on the ground. This escalating insecurity has become unbearable and must be confronted with the urgency and seriousness it deserves,” the statement added.
According to Channels Television, suspected Boko Haram insurgents detonated an improvised explosive device at a Juma’at Mosque in Gamboru Ward, near the Customs area in the centre of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Wednesday.
The explosion reportedly occurred around 6:10 pm, less than 12 hours before Christmas, as Muslim worshippers were observing the Maghrib prayer.
While details surrounding the attack remain unclear, residents told Channels Television that several worshippers were either killed or injured in the blast.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, disclosed that preliminary investigations confirmed five deaths, with about 35 other persons sustaining injuries.
What you should know
The Maiduguri mosque bombing highlights ongoing security challenges in Nigeria’s North-East, a region long affected by insurgency linked to Boko Haram.
Attacks on places of worship raise serious concerns about religious freedom, public safety and the ability of authorities to protect civilians. The PDP’s reaction reflects broader public frustration over persistent insecurity and calls for more effective, on-the-ground security measures.
The incident, occurring just hours before Christmas, has heightened fears during a period traditionally associated with peace and religious reflection across the country.
