Group slams Tinubu over response to Borno suicide bomb blasts

President Bola Tinubu’s response to the recent suicide explosion in Borno State, which resulted in the loss of 18 lives, has been been criticised by the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA).

President Tinubu condemned the attack as a desperate act of terror and conveyed his sympathies to the families of the victims and the Borno State Government in his statement.

He emphasised that the terrorists’ ability to launch attacks has been significantly diminished and pledged that those responsible would be brought to justice.

However, HURIWA, through a statement signed by its national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, accused the government of worsening terrorism threat by releasing so-called repentant Boko Haram terrorists.

The organisation described the President’s response as “presidential crocodile tears,” arguing that the policy of freeing repentant terrorists without prosecution undermines national security efforts.

HURIWA pointed out the flawed nature of the deradicalization and reintegration programs, citing data from the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa.

Between 2016 and 2022, 1,935 Boko Haram terrorists were released from Bulumkutu camp in Borno State, and 1,543 graduated from Mallam Sidi Camp in Gombe State. Additionally, from July 2021 to May 2022, 51,828 terrorists and their family members surrendered, including 13,360 fighters. Despite these efforts, HURIWA emphasized that deradicalizing terrorists with deep-seated religious ideologies is a complex process, often leading to recidivism.

The organization further criticized the current administration’s national security strategy as ineffective and accused the service chiefs of incompetence. HURIWA contrasted the government’s leniency towards terrorists with its harsh actions in the South East, where reports of mass killings of youths in the fight against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have emerged.

HURIWA also highlighted the ongoing detention of Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB’s leader, accusing the government of double standards. While repentant terrorists are released, Kanu remains in detention, described by HURIWA as a prisoner of conscience held by what they termed “the most ruthlessly corrupt and oppressive government Nigeria has ever had,” referring to the previous administration under Muhammadu Buhari.

The organization called for a more stringent approach towards terrorists, including prosecution and severe punitive measures. HURIWA urged President Tinubu to reconsider his national security strategy and prioritize the safety of all Nigerians.

In conclusion, HURIWA underscored the need for a comprehensive and robust approach to combating terrorism that ensures justice for victims and prevents the resurgence of extremist threats in Nigeria.