Zamfara Blast: ADC Faults Tinubu’s Europe, UAE Trip, Says Move Shows Lack of Empathy

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his planned trip to Europe and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), describing the decision as insensitive following the recent bomb explosion in Zamfara State.

In a statement posted on X, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the President’s silence and decision to travel abroad at a time of heightened insecurity showed lack of empathy for victims and concern for the nation.

He said Nigerians expected the President to address the country and provide reassurance after the tragic incident, only to be informed that he had embarked on a holiday trip.

“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, with a worried nation waiting for leadership, the next thing we hear is that the President has gone on holiday. What a President!” Abdullahi wrote.

President Tinubu departed Lagos on Sunday as part of his end-of-year break, ahead of an official visit to Abu Dhabi for the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week scheduled for early January. According to the Presidency, the President is attending the summit at the invitation of UAE leader, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and will return after the event.

Meanwhile, the Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the explosion along the Yar’Tasha–Dansadau Road in Maru Local Government Area, believed to have been caused by an improvised explosive device planted by bandits. Several travellers were reportedly feared killed while many fled in panic.

Police spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, said security agencies were already on the scene to assess the situation, promising further updates as investigations progress.

The blast adds to a series of violent incidents recorded on the same route, including a similar explosion in December 2024, which left multiple casualties.

Residents say the recurring attacks have heightened fear in the area, as videos circulating online showed commuters abandoning vehicles and running for safety.