Yemi Obafemi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has postponed his planned trip to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, following the abduction of 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS), Maga, in Kebbi State, and the attack on Christ Apostolic Church worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to Onanuga, President Tinubu was scheduled to depart Abuja on Wednesday for the 20th G20 Summit of Leaders in South Africa and later attend the 7th AU-EU Summit in Angola. However, he suspended his departure due to the fresh security breaches.
“Disturbed by the security breaches in Kebbi State and Monday’s attack by bandits against worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, President Tinubu decided to suspend his departure,” the statement read.
Tinubu is said to be awaiting detailed reports from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who visited Kebbi on his behalf, and from security agencies regarding the church attack in Kwara.
The President reaffirmed his directive to security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted schoolgirls.
On Sunday night, armed men stormed GGCSS, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, killing the school’s Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, before abducting several students. Similarly, on Tuesday, gunmen invaded a church service in Eruku, Kwara State, whisking away worshippers.
Responding to a request by the Kwara State Governor, President Tinubu has ordered the deployment of additional security personnel to Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area.
Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the rising insecurity, including the death of Brigadier General Musa Uba and other soldiers in Borno State.
“I am depressed by the tragic death of our soldiers and officers on active duty. May God comfort their families and the families of the kidnapped schoolgirls,” he said.
The President condemned the renewed wave of violent extremism and directed security agencies to respond with “urgency, clarity, and decisive action,” urging communities to support security efforts by providing timely information.
“Those who threaten the safety of our citizens will face the full weight of the Nigerian state,” Tinubu warned.
