Ofure Akhigbe
President Bola Tinubu has postponed his scheduled trip to South Africa for the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit, as well as his onward journey to Luanda for the 7th AU-EU Summit, following fresh security breaches in Kebbi and Kwara states.
The President was expected to depart Abuja today but suspended his travel plans to receive further security briefings from Vice President Kashim Shettima, security agencies, and state authorities.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu ordered the deployment of additional security personnel to Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State. The directive followed a request by the Governor of Kwara State after bandits attacked worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, on Tuesday.
Tinubu is also awaiting detailed reports on the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State. The President suspended his trip after being briefed on the attack on Monday, during which armed bandits invaded the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area.
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed that 25 students were abducted, while the school’s Vice Principal, Hassan Makuku, was killed while attempting to protect the students.
On Tuesday night, Tinubu directed Vice President Shettima to visit Kebbi State on Wednesday to commiserate with victims’ families and engage with local leaders. Officials close to the Presidency said Tinubu wants first-hand updates on the situation before rescheduling his international engagements.
According to Onanuga, the President expressed sadness that the abduction occurred despite intelligence warnings of a possible bandit attack. Tinubu reiterated his order to security agencies to “do everything possible” to rescue the abducted girls and ensure their safe return.
The President also condoled with the Nigerian military over the death of soldiers, including Brigadier General Musa Uba, who were killed in Borno State while on active duty combating insurgents.