President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has abruptly postponed his scheduled diplomatic trips to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, following fresh waves of insecurity that have rattled the nation. According to The Nation and Premium Times, the President opted to remain in Abuja to receive “crucial security briefings” after the kidnapping of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the deadly attack on worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State.
The President’s decision came shortly after the governor of Kwara State formally requested federal intervention. Reports from Channels Television reveal that Tinubu immediately ordered the deployment of additional security personnel to Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area, directing the police and tactical units to “hunt down the criminal gang responsible.”
Tinubu was originally scheduled to depart Abuja today for the 20th G20 Summit of global leaders in South Africa, before proceeding to Angola for the 7th AU-EU Summit. However, sources quoted by Vanguard say the President became “deeply unsettled” by the two major security breaches and chose to suspend all foreign travel until he receives comprehensive updates.
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed in a statement—widely published by Daily Trust—that Tinubu is awaiting full reports from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who visited Kebbi State on his behalf, as well as intelligence briefs from the police and the Department of State Services on the Kwara attack.
Meanwhile, the President restated his directive that security agencies must intensify efforts to rescue the 24 kidnapped schoolgirls and return them safely to their families. He also extended sympathy to the families of military personnel recently killed in terror-related confrontations.
“As Commander-in-Chief, I am deeply pained by the death of our gallant soldiers,” Tinubu said in a message earlier quoted by Punch Newspaper. “I am equally troubled that heartless terrorists have once again disrupted the education of innocent schoolgirls. I have ordered swift action to bring our daughters home.”
With the nation on edge and pressure mounting, Tinubu’s decision to remain in Nigeria underscores the administration’s prioritisation of internal security over international diplomacy.