President Bola Tinubu’s planned trip to South Africa and Angola was unexpectedly postponed on Tuesday as new security concerns gripped the country.
The decision, which surprised many observers, came after armed men attacked a church in Kwara State and kidnapped several schoolgirls in Kebbi.
Moreover, the incidents have raised public worry due to the growing pattern of violent strikes across affected communities.
The security breach crisis deepened when worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku were attacked during a service, leaving three people dead and many taken away.
Meanwhile, 25 female students were abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi, where the vice principal was also killed.
These events added pressure on the President, who had been scheduled to attend the G20 Summit in Johannesburg before moving to Luanda for the AU-EU meeting.
According to a statement released by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the President decided to remain in the country to receive more detailed security reports.
He is awaiting updates from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who visited Kebbi on his behalf, as well as briefings from the police and the Department of State Services.
In addition, Tinubu ordered more security deployment to Eruku and other vulnerable parts of Kwara State.
Officers have been directed to go after the attackers without delay.
Tinubu further urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the missing schoolgirls.
He repeated his earlier message about the pain brought by these killings, 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.”
The remark highlighted the emotional weight of the moment.
Furthermore, the death of Brigadier General Musa Uba, who was leading the 25 Taskforce Brigade, added to the rising tension in the security landscape.
Officials believe that strengthened surveillance and added deployment may help reduce further risks in these areas.
Therefore, the government’s immediate focus is centered on stabilizing communities shaken by recent violence.
