President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has postponed his scheduled trips to Johannesburg, South Africa and Luanda, Angola, in light of deepening national security crises, notably the recent abduction of twenty-four schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the attack on worshippers at the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State.
A statement from the State House, signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, explained, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has postponed his scheduled trip to Johannesburg, South Africa and Luanda, Angola, as he awaits further security briefings on the kidnapped Kebbi schoolgirls and the attack on Christ Apostolic Church worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.” The president had been scheduled to attend the 20th G20 Summit in South Africa and the 7th AU-EU Summit in Angola this week, with his departure from Abuja originally set for Wednesday.
However, the president’s itinerary changed abruptly following urgent reports from state authorities. “In response to the request by the governor of Kwara State, President Tinubu has ordered the deployment of more security men to Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area of the state, and directed the police to go after the bandits who attacked worshippers,” the State House statement affirmed.
The president is said to be awaiting comprehensive reports from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who paid a sympathy visit to Kebbi on Tinubu’s behalf, in addition to detailed intelligence updates from the police and the Department of State Services. According to officials, “He now awaits reports from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who paid a sympathy visit to Kebbi on his behalf, as well as reports from the police and the Department of State Services regarding the attack in Kwara.”
Further emphasizing the administration’s focus, Tinubu reiterated his instructions to national security agencies. “President Tinubu reiterates his directive to the security agencies to do everything possible to rescue the 24 schoolgirls, abducted by the bandits and bring the girls back home, safe,” the statement read.
This postponement reflects Tinubu’s intention to prioritize national security over foreign engagements and signals the government’s commitment to restoring peace in the face of mounting insecurity. “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 presidency stated.
