“Anger in the Streets: Tinubu Stays Back as Kebbi Abductions, Kwara Attack Trigger Nationwide Uproar”
By Passman Akpos
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has suspended his planned official trips to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, to focus on the worsening security crises in Kebbi and Kwara states.
The President was expected to depart Abuja today for the 20th G20 Summit of Leaders in South Africa, before proceeding to Angola for the 7th AU-EU Summit. But the recent abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and Monday’s violent attack on worshippers at the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, have forced a change in schedule.
According to a statement issued by Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu opted to remain in the country as he awaits comprehensive security briefings from Vice President Kashim Shettima—who visited Kebbi on his behalf—and from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) regarding the church attack in Kwara.
In response to a request from the Kwara State governor, the President has ordered the deployment of more security personnel to Eruku and the wider Ekiti Local Government Area. He also directed the police and other security agencies to pursue the attackers “without delay.”
Tinubu further reaffirmed his directive to security agencies to do everything necessary to rescue the kidnapped Kebbi schoolgirls and ensure their safe return.
Reflecting on the recent wave of violence, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of military personnel and the abductions, saying:
“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.”
The presidency says further updates will be communicated as security agencies intensify operations across the affected states.
