The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for proceeding with a foreign trip to Europe and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the immediate aftermath of a deadly terrorist attack in Zamfara State. The opposition party labeled the President's actions as demonstrating a profound lack of care and empathy for the victims and the nation.
ADC's Scathing Critique of Presidential Priorities
In a statement delivered via social media on Sunday, December 28, the ADC's National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, expressed deep concern. He noted that instead of remaining in Nigeria to address the escalating insecurity, President Tinubu chose to travel abroad without uttering a single word of consolation to the affected citizens.
Abdullahi stated, "In the wake of yet another deadly bomb blast in Zamfara, to which the President has not said a single word; on the back of an unprecedented foreign military attack on Nigerian soil; right in the middle of all the uncertainty it has provoked; with a confused and scared nation waiting for the President to speak to us and assure us that all is well, the next thing we hear is that the President has gone on holiday. What a President!"
Details of the Presidential Trip and Zamfara Attack
President Tinubu departed Lagos on Sunday, December 28, for Europe. According to his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, this was part of his end-of-year break and a precursor to an official visit to Abu Dhabi in early January 2026. The Presidency clarified that the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, had invited Tinubu to the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026 Summit.
Meanwhile, in Zamfara State, security forces confirmed a devastating explosion on the Yar’Tasha–Dansadau Road in Maru Local Government Area. The Zamfara State Police Public Relations Officer, Yazid Abubakar, reported that an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by bandits detonated on Saturday afternoon, causing panic among travelers. While the exact casualty figures were still being ascertained at the time, initial reports indicated that many travelers were feared killed.
Abubakar said, "I can confirm that there was a blast in that area, but the incident just happened. I can’t tell you details yet. I will update you later." Residents and circulating social media videos depicted scenes of chaos, with commuters fleeing and vehicles abandoned on the highway.
A Recurring Tragedy and Political Repercussions
This attack is not an isolated incident. The Yar’Tasha–Dansadau Road has been a recurrent hotspot for banditry and violence. A similar explosion occurred in December 2024, resulting in six deaths and eight injuries. The latest attack has intensified public anxiety and fueled political criticism against the administration's handling of the security crisis.
The ADC's condemnation highlights a growing sentiment of disconnect between the government's actions and the immediate security sufferings of Nigerians. The party's statement frames the President's foreign engagement, despite its official nature, as a misplacement of priorities during a national emergency. The Presidency maintains that the President will return to Nigeria after the sustainability summit in Abu Dhabi.
