Not acceptable Mr. President

When some 274 Chibok school girls were kidnapped by Boko Haram in 2014, I was one of those who criticized then President Goodluck Jonathan for not visiting the community to sympathize with them.

When in the same year bombs went off in Kano killing scores and President Jonathan refused to visit the scene of the blast I was also one of those who lambasted him.

Fast forward to 2017, Muhammadu Buhari is President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. 

Yesterday news broke that a military fighter aircraft mistakenly dropped a bomb in an IDP camp in Borno. As I write 70 people are reported killed and over a hundred wounded in the ill-fated incident. To be fair military authorities responded on time with a statement confirming it to be a mistake and offered their regrets.

Let us accept that it was truly a mistake. What I cannot accept is the fact that up till now President Buhari has not visited the affected IDP camp. I have actually been waiting to hear that he is on scene of the incident. But alas I am mistaken. I hear Mr. President has sent a high-powered delegation to the affected IDP. 

It is unacceptable to me. If for whatever reason the President could not visit Southern Kaduna where dozens of people were killed in an orgy of violence some weeks ago, there is no reason whatsoever he should not personally visit this IDP camp mistakenly bombed by troops under his command. Sending a high-powered delegation is not enough for me.

May the soul of all those who died in the incident Rest In Peace, and may the wounded receive speedy recovery. Amen.