President Bola Tinubu has postponed his planned trip to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, to receive further security updates on the kidnapping of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the attack on worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State.
Following an appeal from the governor of Kwara State, the President directed the deployment of additional security personnel to Eruku and across the entire Ekiti Local Government Area. He also instructed the police to launch an intensified manhunt for the bandits responsible for the attack on the church.
President Tinubu was initially expected to depart Abuja on Tuesday for the 20th G20 Summit of leaders in South Africa and later proceed to Angola for the 7th AU-EU Summit. However, the recent security incidents prompted him to suspend the journey.
According to a statement obtained by our newsroom from presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the President is awaiting reports from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who visited Kebbi on his behal as well as briefings from the police and the Department of State Services regarding the Kwara attack.
Tinubu reaffirmed his earlier directive to security agencies to ensure the safe return of the 24 schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi.
He also referenced his previous reaction to the recent terrorist attacks and abductions, stating:
“As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, I am depressed with the tragic death of our soldiers and officers on active duty. May God comfort the families of Brigadier General Musa Uba and other fallen heroes.
“I am also depressed that heartless terrorists have disrupted the education of innocent schoolgirls. I have directed the security agencies to act swiftly and bring the girls back to Kebbi State.”
