Tinubu halts his G20 trip as security crises escalate in Kebbi and Kwara, awaiting reports on abducted schoolgirls and church attacks
President Bola Tinubu has suspended his planned departure for the G20 Summit in South Africa and the AU–EU Summit in Angola following fresh security crises in Kebbi and Kwara States.
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This confirmation came through a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu was originally scheduled to leave Abuja today for the 20th G20 Summit before proceeding to Luanda.
However, the President reportedly became concerned by the escalating situation, particularly Monday’s abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi and the violent attack on worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State.
“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,” Onanuga said.
He noted that President Tinubu is now awaiting detailed briefings from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who visited Kebbi earlier today on his behalf, as well as operational updates from the Nigeria Police and the DSS.
The President reiterated his directive to security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and “do everything possible to rescue the 24 schoolgirls abducted by the bandits and bring the girls back home, safe.”
The crisis in Kebbi escalated after armed bandits stormed Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Danko Wasagu. In the pre-dawn raid, at least 25 students were abducted and the vice principal, Hassan Makuku, was killed while reportedly trying to protect his pupils.
The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed both the killing and the abductions.
Tinubu expressed sadness that the attack occurred despite intelligence warnings of a possible strike. He also commiserated with the military over the death of Brigadier General Musa Uba and several soldiers who were killed in a separate incident in Borno State while combating insurgents.
Also read: Tinubu Halts Trip as Kebbi Abductions Trigger Urgent Action
With security concerns intensifying across multiple states, the President’s decision to remain in the country underscores what State House officials described as a crucial period requiring decisive action and top-level coordination
