President Bola Tinubu has postponed his scheduled trips to Johannesburg, South Africa, for the 20th G20 Summit and to Luanda, Angola, for the 7th AU-EU Summit, as he awaits crucial security briefings following recent attacks in Kebbi and Kwara states. The decision comes amid rising concerns over the kidnapping of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the attack on worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday afternoon by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President ordered the deployment of additional security operatives to Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State. This directive, the statement noted, followed a formal request made by the Government of Kwara State after gunmen attacked the community on Tuesday. Tinubu also instructed the police to pursue and apprehend the bandits responsible for the assault on worshippers.
Tinubu Awaits Key Security Reports After Kebbi, Kwara Attacks
The President, who was initially scheduled to depart Abuja on Wednesday for the G20 meeting before moving on to the AU-EU Summit, opted to suspend his travel plans following reports of the escalating security situation. Onanuga explained that the President is now awaiting a briefing from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who visited Kebbi State on his behalf to commiserate with affected families and authorities.
“President Tinubu was scheduled to leave Abuja today to attend the 20th G20 Summit of leaders in South Africa and thereafter proceed to Luanda to attend the 7th AU-EU Summit,” the statement read. “Disturbed by the security breaches in Kebbi State and Monday’s attack by bandits against worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, President Tinubu decided to suspend his departure.”
The statement further noted that the President is also expecting comprehensive reports from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) regarding the attack in Kwara. “He now awaits reports from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who paid a sympathy visit to Kebbi on his behalf, as well as reports from the police and the Department of State Services regarding the attack in Kwara,” it added.
The Presidency reaffirmed Tinubu’s commitment to restoring peace and ensuring the safe return of the schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State. It emphasized that the President has directed security agencies to “do everything possible” to rescue the victims and bring them home safely.
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