HURIWA Slams Tinubu’s UK Visit Amid Renewed Bloodshed in Borno

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for going ahead with his planned state visit to the United Kingdom despite the wave of deadly attacks that recently hit Borno State.
In a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, the group described the decision as deeply troubling, stressing that a nation confronted with escalating violence requires the full attention and presence of its leadership. HURIWA argued that embarking on a high-profile foreign trip at a time of national grief raises serious concerns about priorities at the highest level of government.
The group pointed to the coordinated explosions in Maiduguri, which affected key locations including the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital area and busy marketplaces, leaving several people dead and many others injured. It said the attacks highlight the persistent threat posed by extremist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP.
According to HURIWA, the timing of the President’s trip—reportedly at the invitation of King Charles III—is particularly insensitive, given the scale of loss and trauma experienced by residents of Borno. The group maintained that moments like this demand empathy, decisive leadership, and a visible commitment to addressing insecurity.
It also referenced reports from emergency responders indicating that hospitals in Maiduguri are still managing casualties, with the full extent of the damage yet to be determined. Eyewitness accounts, it added, point to a significant number of injured persons receiving treatment.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s long-standing battle against insurgency, HURIWA warned that the resurgence of attacks in areas once considered relatively stable signals a worrying shift that requires urgent attention.
The organisation further questioned aspects of the Federal Government’s security strategy, including efforts to reintegrate former insurgents, arguing that such approaches must be reassessed in light of ongoing violence.
HURIWA called on the President to refocus on domestic challenges, emphasising that leadership in times of crisis should prioritise the protection of lives and the restoration of public confidence.
The statement, signed by Emmanuel Onwubiko, reiterated the group’s position that Nigeria’s current security realities demand immediate, hands-on engagement rather than participation in ceremonial engagements abroad.