Tinubu Bows To Pressure, Cancels G20 Trip As Security Threats Force Urgent Nationwide Military Deployments Across Nigeria

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stepped back from his planned diplomatic schedule and redirected his attention to the escalating security challenges gripping parts of northern Nigeria. His decision comes after the abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and a fatal attack on worshippers at the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State. The Presidency confirmed that the trips to South Africa for the 20th G20 Summit and to Angola for the 7th AU EU Summit have been delayed so he can receive fuller security assessments and respond to the rising tension.

A statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, explained that Tinubu’s change of plans followed disturbing intelligence and urgent appeals from state leaders. According to the statement, the president ordered a heavy security deployment to Eruku and to communities across the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State. The directive came after Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq requested federal intervention to confront the bandits responsible for the attack on Christian worshippers.

Reports indicate that Tinubu has also commanded the police and other security agencies to pursue those behind the two violent incidents and restore calm. The president is said to be waiting for comprehensive updates from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who travelled to Kebbi State on a sympathy visit, as well as operational briefings from the police and the Department of State Services on ongoing rescue efforts and the unfolding investigation in Kwara.

Shock and anxiety have spread across Kebbi communities since the early hours of Monday, November 17, when armed men stormed the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, located in the Danko Wasagu Local Government Area. Local officials told The ICIR that the attackers arrived around 4 a.m., fired repeatedly inside the school environment, and fled with an as yet unconfirmed number of students. Hussaini Bena, Chairman of the council area, confirmed the invasion and described the gunmen as heavily armed and swift in their operation.

Authorities have not announced any breakthroughs, although security formations are now being strengthened around schools and border communities. Families of the abducted students remain distraught as rescue teams comb forests and rural routes believed to be used by the attackers. Tinubu has stressed that every resource should be mobilised to recover the children safely and return stability to the affected communities.

The deadly assault in Kwara added further urgency, prompting calls from religious leaders and civil society organisations for coordinated federal and state action. Worshippers caught in the Eruku attack were reportedly observing evening activities when armed bandits opened fire, causing casualties and pushing residents into panic. Reinforcements have since arrived, and local vigilante groups are cooperating with federal operatives to track the movements of the attackers.

Federal authorities now face mounting pressure to deliver results as citizens demand stronger deterrence against banditry and kidnappings. Tinubu’s decision to postpone key international engagements signals that the administration seeks to demonstrate seriousness in addressing the worsening security climate. Observers believe the next few days will be crucial, with the nation watching closely for progress on both the rescue of the schoolgirls and the pursuit of the perpetrators behind the Kwara church attack.