A screenshot circulating on social media that allegedly shows US President Donald Trump criticising President Bola Tinubu for a UK state visit hours after bomb attacks in Maiduguri is not genuine.
The attacks occurred Monday evening, targeting a major market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office flyover. The Borno State Police Command confirmed 23 deaths and 108 injuries.
The alleged Trump post emerged shortly after the presidency announced Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom, scheduled to run from March 18 to 19. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said King Charles would host the president and his wife.
Hours later, an X user shared a screenshot of a Truth Social post claiming that Trump condemned the coordinated suicide bombings in Maiduguri. In the image, the US president purportedly criticised Tinubu for prioritising the state visit over the emergency response in Nigeria.
The screenshot reads in part:
“The situation in Nigeria is a TOTAL DISASTER. Massive, coordinated suicide bombings tonight in Maiduguri. A hospital, a major market, the post office—all hit! Many innocent people killed. This is what happens when you have NO LEADERSHIP and open borders for terrorists!
“While his country is in a state of NATIONAL EMERGENCY, President Tinubu is currently in the UK on a ‘State Visit.’ Unbelievable! Shaking hands and having fancy dinners while his people are being blown up?
“I don’t think so! Prime Minister Starmer should tell him to get on a plane and GO HOME IMMEDIATELY. You don’t stay abroad during a crisis like this.
“A real leader is on the ground with the military and the people, not cutting ribbons in London. Nigeria is a great country with wonderful people, but they are being let down by a government that isn’t focused on STRENGTH and SECURITY.
“Close the borders, find the terrorists, and PROTECT YOUR CITIZENS. Everything else can wait. TRUTH!”
The post was also widely shared on WhatsApp.
FACT CHECK
A review of Trump’s official Truth Social account from 7:24 pm local time on Monday, when the bombings occurred, until press time showed 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.
No major Nigerian or international news outlet has reported the US president making any statement about the Borno attacks. US officials have not referenced such a post either.
CONCLUSION
The screenshot attributing this statement to Donald Trump is fabricated. Social media users often circulate such false posts during security crises to provoke outrage, criticise governments, or advance political narratives.
