The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has strongly condemned the deadly bomb attacks in Maiduguri, warning that Nigeria must not slide back into an era of terrorism, fear and mass killings.

The explosions reportedly occurred at the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital as well as at the Monday Market and Post Office areas, shattering the fragile peace gradually being rebuilt after years of insurgency in the North-east.

In a statement issued by its national coordinator, Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the group described the coordinated explosions as barbaric and cowardly, saying the attacks were not only heinous but also a troubling indication that certain elements were testing the might of the nation.

“Let this be stated with absolute clarity that Nigeria would never return to the dark era of bomb blasts, fear and mass killings.

“These despicable acts are not only an attack on innocent lives but a direct assault on our collective humanity, our national stability and the fragile peace that the people of Maiduguri and indeed the entire North-east have worked so hard to rebuild,” the statement said.

The group expressed condolences to families of victims, the government and people of Borno state and the Shehu of Borno whose domain has again been thrown into mourning.

The coalition called for urgent and decisive action from the federal, Borno state governments and security agencies to move beyond routine responses and decisively confront the renewed threat.

CNG raised concerns over renewed activities linked to Boko Haram in parts of the North-east, warning that the resurgence coincides with the controversial deployment of foreign troops in the region.

“CNG is deeply concerned by renewed activities linked to Boko Haram in parts of the North-East which coincide with the controversial deployment of American troops in the area. We opposed such deployment ab initio that Nigeria has the capacity and institutional strength to tackle its security challenges without reliance on foreign troops whose presence may complicate the situation.

“The federal government must urgently review this approach and ensure all security strategies are anchored on national interest, accountability and transparency,” it said.

CNG also renews its call on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to identify and decisively deal with sponsors and financiers of terrorism. It said that those who fund and sustain terror must no longer operate with impunity; but must be tracked, prosecuted and dealt with ruthlessly without fear or favour, regardless of status or connections.

“At a time when innocent citizens are being killed and communities are once again gripped by fear, the presence, leadership and command responsibility of the president at home is not optional but imperative.

“The resurgence of such attacks is a painful reminder that terrorism, though degraded, has not been completely defeated. It requires renewed strategy, stronger intelligence coordination and visible leadership at all levels to ensure that it is permanently eradicated.

“The people of Maiduguri, North-east and indeed the entire nation have endured too much pain and loss over the years. We cannot be forced to relive those dark days again,” it said.

CNG urged relevant authorities to adopt appropriate technology and new strategy to decisively confront and neutralise this resurgence of terror as there must be no room for complacency.