Tinubu Cancels G20, AU-EU Trips, Orders Massive Security Deployment To Kwara After Church Attack

Abuja, Nigeria– President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has abruptly postponed his planned trip to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, following fresh security concerns sparked by the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and Monday’s deadly attack on worshippers at the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The President, who was scheduled to depart Abuja today for the 20th G20 Summit and later the 7th AU-EU Summit, suspended his travel “to receive further security briefings,” according to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Tinubu also ordered an immediate surge of security personnel to Eruku and across Ekiti LGA after the Kwara State governor requested federal reinforcement.

He directed the police and other security agencies to launch a manhunt for the bandits who stormed the church mid-worship, killing and abducting residents.

The statement read, “President Bola Ahmed 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.

“President Tinubu was scheduled to leave Abuja today 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.

“President Tinubu reiterates 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.”