President Bola Tinubu has postponed his scheduled trips to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, following renewed security concerns in parts of the country, including the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and Monday’s attack on worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, in Kwara State.
The President had been expected to depart Abuja on Wednesday for the 20th G20 Summit of Leaders in South Africa and thereafter proceed to Angola for the 7th AU-EU Summit. However, he suspended his departure after receiving reports on the worsening security situation.
According to a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu ordered the deployment of additional security personnel to Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, following a request by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Tinubu also directed the police and other security agencies to launch an immediate operation to hunt down the bandits responsible for the attacks.
The President is awaiting briefings from Vice President Kashim Shettima—who visited Kebbi State on his behalf—as well as reports from the police and the Department of State Services on the incidents.
Tinubu reiterated his instruction to the security agencies to ensure the safe return of the 24 schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State.
Reacting earlier to the wave of attacks, the President lamented the killing of military personnel and the disruption of the education of innocent children.
“As Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, I am depressed with the tragic death of our soldiers and officers on active duty. May God comfort the families of Brigadier General Musa Uba and other fallen heroes.”
“I am also depressed that heartless terrorists have disrupted the education of innocent schoolgirls. I have directed the security agencies to act swiftly and bring the girls back to Kebbi State.”