Tinubu Postpones G20, AU–EU Trips, Orders Massive Security Deployment to Kwara After Church Attack‎

Abiola Adigun|Albarka 89.9 FM| Ilorin| November 19 2025

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday shelved his scheduled trips to Johannesburg and Luanda to receive further security briefings on the abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and Monday’s armed attack on worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The President had been billed to depart Abuja for the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit in South Africa and later attend the 7th AU–EU Summit in Luanda, Angola. But State House officials said concerns over escalating insecurity forced a change of plans.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President approved the immediate deployment of additional military and police personnel to Eruku and surrounding communities following a request from the Kwara State Government.
“President Tinubu has directed security agencies to go after the bandits who attacked worshippers and ensure that law-abiding citizens are protected,” the statement said.
The attack in Kwara occurred barely days after the abduction of 24 schoolgirls from a boarding school in Kebbi State—an incident that has reignited national anxiety over recurring mass kidnappings in the North-West.
A presidency source familiar with the briefing process said the President is “deeply concerned” and wants “a comprehensive and credible update” before leaving the country. The source added that the President expects “concrete progress reports” from the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and military authorities.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who visited Kebbi State on Tuesday to commiserate with families of the abducted students, is expected to brief the President upon return. During the visit, Shettima said the administration “will not rest until every child is safely reunited with her family,” assuring parents that “the country’s full security architecture has been activated.”
Tinubu reiterated this commitment in the statement, insisting that rescuing the girls remains a top priority. “The President has restated his directive to security agencies to do everything possible to rescue the 24 schoolgirls and bring them back home safely,” Onanuga said.
Security experts say the twin incidents highlight the persistent threats posed by banditry and insurgent networks despite ongoing operations across the North-West and North-Central regions. Analysts note that presidential travel postponements are rare, suggesting the gravity of the current situation.
The President is expected to announce new security measures after receiving the latest intelligence and operational updates.