The Borno State capital, Maiduguri, was rocked by a series of bomb attacks on Monday evening. The blasts targeted a major market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office flyover. According to the Borno State Police Command, the attacks resulted in 23 deaths and 108 injuries.
The presidency had earlier announced that President Bola Tinubu would embark on a state visit to the United Kingdom from March 18 to 19. The visit was scheduled to take place despite the ongoing security crisis in Nigeria. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed that King Charles would host the president and his wife during the visit.
A screenshot of a Truth Social post allegedly made by US President Donald Trump began circulating on social media shortly after the presidency's announcement. The post purportedly condemned the coordinated suicide bombings in Maiduguri and criticised President Tinubu for prioritising the state visit over the emergency response in Nigeria.
However, a review of Trump's official Truth Social account revealed no such post matching the screenshot in date, text, or content. The US president's recent posts focused on international sports, domestic political commentary, NATO, and the ongoing conflict in Iran.
The presidency's decision to proceed with President Tinubu's state visit to the UK despite the ongoing security crisis in Nigeria raises serious questions about the administration's priorities. The fact that no statement was made by the US president or any major international news outlet about the Borno attacks suggests that the screenshot was fabricated to provoke outrage and criticise the government. This incident highlights the need for fact-checking and responsible social media use during security crises.
