President Bola Tinubu has postponed his planned trip to South Africa for the G20 Leaders’ Summit to receive further security briefings on the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the attack on worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President also ordered the immediate deployment of additional security personnel to Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area. He further directed the police to pursue and apprehend the bandits responsible for the attack on the Christ Apostolic Church worshippers.
The directive followed a request from the Governor of Kwara State.
Presidency officials told DIP CONNECT ONLINE that Tinubu intends to receive first-hand updates from Vice President Kashim Shettima—who visited Kebbi on his behalf—as well as security agencies, before proceeding with his foreign engagements. Tinubu had been scheduled to leave Abuja on Wednesday for the 20th G20 Summit in South Africa and then head to Luanda for the 7th AU-EU Summit.
“Concerned by the attacks in Kebbi and the incident in Kwara, President Tinubu decided to suspend his departure,” Onanuga said.
“He now awaits detailed reports from Vice President Shettima, the police, and the Department of State Services.”
Tinubu reiterated his directive to security agencies to do everything possible to rescue the 24 abducted schoolgirls and ensure their safe return.
On Tuesday night, the President had instructed Shettima to visit Kebbi following the abduction of 25 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, and the killing of the school’s Vice Principal.
The Zuru Emirate was thrown into panic early Monday when armed bandits stormed the school in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area. Vice Principal Hassan Makuku, who reportedly tried to protect the students, was killed during the attack. The police confirmed that 25 students were kidnapped.
While consoling the families of the abducted schoolgirls, Tinubu also mourned Brigadier General Musa Uba and other soldiers who died in recent operations against insurgents in Borno State, praising their sacrifice and patriotism.
ADEOLA KUNLE
