Tinubu postpones trips to South Africa, Angola over Kebbi abductions, Kwara Church attack

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has postponed his planned visits to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, as he awaits comprehensive security briefings on the kidnapping of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the deadly attack on worshippers at the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Kwara State.

Following a request from the Kwara State Governor, the President ordered the deployment of additional security personnel to Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area. He also directed the police to track down the bandits responsible for the church attack.

Tinubu was expected to depart Abuja on Wednesday for the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit in South Africa before heading to Angola for the 7th AU-EU Summit. However, the escalating security concerns in Kebbi and the attack on worshippers prompted him to suspend his travel plans.

According to presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the President is awaiting detailed reports from Vice President Kashim Shettima—who visited Kebbi on his behalf—as well as from the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) regarding the Kwara incident.

Tinubu reaffirmed his directive to security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the 24 abducted schoolgirls and ensure their safe return.

Reacting earlier to the killing of soldiers and the abduction of students, the President said:

“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.”