President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has postponed his planned trip to South Africa for the G20 Leaders’ Summit to focus on recent security crises in Kebbi and Kwara States. The decision comes as he awaits detailed briefings from Vice President Kashim Shettima regarding the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi and the attack on Christ Apostolic Church worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.
According to Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Tinubu has directed the deployment of additional security personnel to Eruku and surrounding areas, while instructing the police to pursue the bandits responsible for the attacks.
The Kebbi incident occurred at Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, where armed bandits killed Vice Principal Hassan Makuku, who tried to protect the students, and abducted 25 girls. On Tuesday, Vice President Shettima visited Kebbi on Tinubu’s behalf to assess the situation and coordinate response efforts.
Expressing condolences to the families of the victims and the military, including Brigadier General Musa Uba, who was killed fighting insurgents in Borno State, the President emphasized the government’s commitment to rescue the abducted girls safely.
Originally scheduled to attend the G20 Summit and later the AU-EU Summit in Luanda, Tinubu’s decision to delay travel underscores his focus on national security and crisis management. Officials stated that he wants first-hand reports from local leaders and security agencies before resuming international engagements.
The government continues to coordinate with security agencies to ensure justice for the victims and prevent future attacks.
