Speaker Abbas Decries ‘Barbaric’ Christmas Eve Massacre at Maiduguri Mosque

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has lent his voice to the chorus of national grief following a devastating Christmas Eve attack on a mosque in Maiduguri. In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, December 25, 2025, the Speaker labeled the assault “barbaric,” characterizing the bloodshed as a “direct assault on the soul of the nation.” The incident, which unfolded as worshippers gathered for evening prayers, has once again plunged the Borno State capital into mourning during a season meant for peace.

The attack, which targeted the Al-Adum Mosque within the bustling Gamboru Market area, resulted in multiple fatalities and left numerous others with life-altering injuries. For Speaker Abbas, the timing and location of the violence were particularly egregious, representing what he described as the “height of wickedness.” By striking a religious sanctuary during a period of global celebration and reflection, the perpetrators demonstrated a total disregard for the sanctity of human life and the values of faith.

In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, the Speaker emphasized that such acts of terror are futile attempts to fracture the country’s unity. He asserted that those behind the carnage would never succeed in their primary objective: to divide Nigerians along religious lines or derail the collective march toward a more secure and prosperous future. This message of defiance serves as a legislative backing to the executive’s recent orders for a security surge in the North East.

Despite the gravity of the breach, Abbas took a moment to acknowledge the ongoing efforts of the nation’s armed forces. He hailed the security agencies for their consistent sacrifices, noting that their work remains the primary shield protecting lives and property across volatile regions. The Speaker expressed a firm confidence that Nigeria’s security climate is on a path to improvement, bolstered by the Federal Government’s sustained and intensified efforts to smoke out criminal elements from their hideouts.

The legislative leader extended his deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the prayer hall, as well as to Governor Babagana Zulum and the entire resilient population of Borno State. He noted that the grief felt in Maiduguri is shared by all Nigerians, transcending regional and religious boundaries. His office has pledged to continue supporting legislative frameworks that provide the military with the necessary funding and oversight to combat these asymmetric threats effectively.

Abbas also offered prayers for the eternal repose of the victims and the quick recovery of those currently fighting for their lives in various medical facilities across Maiduguri. He urged the bereaved families to find strength in their faith and in the solidarity of a nation that refuses to be intimidated by the shadow of extremism. To him, the resilience of the people of Borno remains an inspiration, and he vowed that the House of Representatives would remain a partner in the quest for lasting peace.

The Speaker’s reaction mirrors a broader sense of urgency within the Nigerian government as it grapples with “soft target” attacks. Analysts suggest that the legislative branch will likely increase its scrutiny of border security and intelligence funding in the 2026 fiscal year to prevent such lapses. For Abbas, the goal is to move from a state of mourning to a state of absolute deterrence, ensuring that no Nigerian is afraid to enter a house of worship.

As the nation reflects on the events of this Christmas Eve, the Speaker’s words serve as a reminder that the battle against terror is as much about ideology as it is about weaponry. By labeling the act barbaric and wicked, he is calling for a national rejection of the hate that fuels such violence. He concluded by reaffirming his belief that Nigeria will emerge from this period of trial stronger and more united, with the perpetrators of the Al-Adum massacre eventually facing the full weight of justice.