Defence Minister Under Fire Over Rising Insecurity in Nigeria Amid Borno Bombings

The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, is facing fresh criticism following deadly explosions in Maiduguri.

The attacks have raised new concerns about the worsening security situation in the country, especially in the North-East.

The incidents, which occurred on Monday, left at least 23 people dead and more than 100 others injured. Residents described scenes of panic as emergency responders rushed victims to nearby hospitals.

Authorities are yet to give a full breakdown of the casualties, but the scale of the damage has triggered nationwide reactions.

Reacting to the development, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) condemned the attacks. The group called on the Defence Minister to take urgent and decisive steps to end the persistent killings across the country.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, the organisation described the situation as alarming. It warned that the continued loss of lives points to serious gaps in the nation’s security framework.

“This is quite worrisome. The toll is too high, and the level of coordination is highly challenging. But what is most baffling is the roller-coaster stance of the Nigerian security agencies in Borno State, which at one time tends to give positive progress and regression at another.*

The group further expressed concern over the rising number of casualties, particularly in the northern region. It said the pattern of attacks suggests that more needs to be done to protect vulnerable communities.

“Nigerians are dying in large numbers. We care about all Nigerians in general, but in particular, the Muslim Rights Concern is concerned that Muslims are the ones being killed in the North East and North West. The North is being decimated. Something must be done and quickly, too.

MURIC also urged the Defence Minister to fulfil his responsibility of safeguarding lives and property across the country.

“MURIC charges the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, to make good his promise to protect Nigerians. Life has become very cheap under his watch. Nigerians are not safe”.