Abuja – Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has called off his scheduled attendance at two major international summits to address a deepening security crisis at home, following a wave of attacks including the abduction of schoolgirls and a deadly assault on a church.
The President was due to fly to Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday for the 20th G20 Summit, followed by a trip to Luanda, Angola, for the 7th AU-EU Summit. However, the presidency announced that these plans have been suspended to allow Mr Tinubu to receive urgent security briefings.
Attacks in Kebbi and Kwara
The decision comes in the wake of two significant security breaches that have sparked national outrage:
- Kebbi State: The abduction of 24 schoolgirls from a boarding school in Maga.
- Kwara State: A violent attack by bandits on worshippers at the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, occurring on Tuesday.
“Disturbed by the security breaches in Kebbi State and Tuesday’s attack by bandits against worshippers… President Tinubu decided to suspend his departure,” said Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
Security Response and Troop Deployment
In response to a request from the Governor of Kwara State, President Tinubu has ordered the immediate deployment of additional military and police personnel to Eruku and the wider Ekiti Local Government Area. He has directed police chiefs to launch a manhunt for the perpetrators targeting worshippers.
Mr Tinubu is now remaining in Abuja to await detailed reports from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police. He is also expecting a briefing from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was dispatched to Kebbi State earlier this week to offer sympathy to the families of the abducted students.
The President reiterated a strict directive to security agencies to “do everything possible” to rescue the 24 abducted schoolgirls and ensure their safe return home.
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