Insecurity compels Tinubu to postpone trip to G20, AU-EU summits

*Orders deployment of more security operatives to Kwara

*Awaits briefing on Kebbi, Kwara attacks

*Says FG will deploy all instruments of state to ensure return of abducted Kebbi schoolgirls

By Mathew Brangyet

President Bola Tinubu has postponed his scheduled trip to Johannesburg, South Africa and Luanda, Angola as he awaits further security briefings on the kidnapped Kebbi schoolgirls and the attack on Christ Apostolic Church worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.

In response to the request by the governor of Kwara State, President Tinubu has ordered the deployment of more security men to Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area of the state, and directed the police to go after the bandits who attacked worshippers.

The President was scheduled to leave Abuja yesterday to attend the 20th G20 Summit of leaders in South Africa and thereafter proceed to Luanda to attend the 7th AU-EU Summit.

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.

He now awaits reports from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who paid a sympathy visit to Kebbi on his behalf, as well as reports from the police and the Department of State Services regarding the attack in Kwara.

The President reiterated his directive to the security agencies to do everything possible to rescue the 24 schoolgirls, abducted by the bandits and bring the girls back home, safe.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians and families of students abducted in Maga, Kebbi, that the Federal Government will deploy all instruments of state to ensure the return of the schoolgirls.

Tinubu’s assurance came on Wednesday from Vice President Kashim Shettima during his visit to Kebbi to commiserate with the government and people of the state, days after the abduction of the students.

Shettima, who touched down at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport alongside the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda and other members of his entourage on Wednesday, described the incident as unfortunate.

He said the President’s priority is the safe return of the schoolgirls. Shettima commended security agencies for their sacrifices.

According to him, Brigadier General Musa Uba, who was killed by terrorists, will be honoured alongside Hassan Makuku, the vice principal of Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School — where the incident happened.

Governor Nasir Idris, who received Shettima during the visit, thanked President Tinubu for his support.

The governor noted that the Kebbi State Government is complementing the Federal Government’s efforts by providing an enabling environment for security agencies.