President Bola Tinubu has postponed his scheduled trip to South Africa for the G20 Leaders’ Summit and a subsequent visit to Angola for the AU-EU Summit following fresh security concerns in Kebbi and Kwara states.
The decision comes as the President awaits detailed briefings from Vice President Kashim Shettima on the recent abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi and the attack on worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State.
The postponement was accompanied by directives to increase security personnel in Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area, with police ordered to pursue the bandits responsible for the attack on churchgoers.
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated that these measures were taken in response to requests from the Kwara State governor.
Tinubu intends to review firsthand reports from Kebbi, including consultations with local authorities, before embarking on his international engagements.
The abduction in Kebbi involved 26 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area.
The attack also resulted in the death of the school’s Vice Principal, Hassan Makuku, who reportedly tried to protect the students.
The Zuru Emirate was thrown into panic after armed assailants carried out the raid early Monday, according to the Kebbi State Police Command.
Meanwhile, in Eruku, Kwara State, bandits attacked worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church, causing injuries and fatalities, though official figures are still being confirmed.
Tinubu has instructed security agencies to leave no stone unturned in rescuing the abducted girls and bringing perpetrators to justice.
The President has expressed grief over the incidents, including the death of Brigadier General Musa Uba in Borno State while on active duty combating insurgents, and commended the military for their sacrifices.
On Tuesday night, Tinubu tasked Vice President Shettima with visiting Kebbi to assess the situation on his behalf, meeting with local authorities and reviewing security arrangements.
Security agencies, including the police and Department of State Services (DSS), have been directed to submit full reports on both incidents.
The postponement of the G20 Summit and AU-EU Summit trips reflects the administration’s prioritization of domestic security, even as President Tinubu had already received intelligence warnings of potential strikes by bandits in Kebbi State.
The government continues to coordinate efforts to ensure the safe return of the abducted schoolgirls and reinforce public safety in affected regions.
