HURIWA blasts Tinubu’s UK state visit amid deadly Borno attacks, calls trip “insensitive”

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for proceeding with his state visit to the United Kingdom despite renewed terrorist violence in northeastern Nigeria, describing the trip as insensitive and ill-timed.

In a statement issued Tuesday by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group argued that a Commander-in-Chief leading a country battling terrorism should not embark on what it termed a “flamboyant” foreign visit while citizens are being killed and displaced.

President Tinubu is in the UK at the invitation of Charles III for a state engagement with the British monarchy.

“Insensitivity in a Time of Mourning”
HURIWA said the trip comes at a time when many Nigerians are grieving following fresh attacks in Borno State, particularly in the capital, Maiduguri.

According to the group, dozens of civilians and security personnel were reportedly killed or injured in coordinated explosions believed to be linked to extremist groups operating in the region.

“It is insensitive and unacceptable that the President continued with a joyful and entertaining trip at a time of weeping and wailing by citizens caught in terrorist attacks,” HURIWA said.

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The organisation also criticised the government’s deradicalisation and reintegration programmes for former insurgents, alleging that such policies have failed to curb violence.

Emergency officials confirmed that multiple blasts occurred late Monday at several locations across Maiduguri, including near the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and two major markets — the Post Office Market and Monday Market.

The head of operations for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Maiduguri, Sirajo Abdullahi, said casualties were recorded but that authorities were still compiling figures.

“There are casualties and they are still managing them at the hospital. We can’t give the actual figure until we count,” he reportedly said.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as injured victims were rushed to medical facilities for treatment. One witness, Bagoni Alkali, said he personally transported wounded persons to the hospital.

Unconfirmed reports cited by HURIWA suggested that over 200 people sustained injuries in the attacks.

Military Operations and Renewed Insurgency
The Nigerian military had earlier announced that troops repelled attempted assaults by suspected Islamist militants on the outskirts of Maiduguri in the early hours of Monday.

Nigeria has battled insurgency in the northeast for more than a decade, largely driven by the extremist group Boko Haram and its splinter faction Islamic State West Africa Province.

Although Maiduguri has witnessed fewer large-scale attacks in recent years due to intensified military operations, recent incidents suggest a resurgence of violence targeting both civilians and military installations.

HURIWA questioned the President’s decision to travel abroad during a period of national mourning, arguing that leadership demands physical presence and decisive action in times of crisis.

“The question on the lips of empathetic Nigerians is why the President and his wife would travel to be hosted by the British monarchy at this mourning period,” the group said.

It further argued that the trip would do little to address the country’s pressing challenges, including insecurity, poverty, and rising humanitarian needs in conflict-affected regions.

The rights group concluded by urging the President to prioritise the safety and welfare of Nigerians over ceremonial engagements abroad.

HURIWA expressed disappointment that the visit appeared focused on diplomatic formalities rather than concrete actions to halt the escalating attacks by terrorists, bandits, and other armed groups across the country.