President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has suspended his diplomatic travels. This decision follows the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State. Consequently, the President cancelled his scheduled trip to South Africa.
Furthermore, he ordered the Minister of State for Defence to relocate to the crisis zone immediately.
Originally, the President planned to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg on Wednesday. Afterward, he intended to visit Angola. Instead, he has chosen to stay in Nigeria. He will command the government’s response to the surging wave of insecurity.
“Move Without Delay”
The Presidency issued a clear directive. Minister Bello Matawalle must move to Kebbi State “without delay.”
His primary task is to coordinate the rescue mission. The victims are students taken from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga.
The Minister is expected to arrive in Birnin Kebbi on Friday. He brings significant experience in handling banditry to this critical operation.
A President “Heartbroken”
The abduction has visibly shaken the nation’s leadership. It occurred in the early hours of Monday. President Tinubu described himself as “heartbroken.” Additionally, he stated he is “depressed” by the violence disrupting innocent lives.
“As the Commander-in-Chief, I am depressed with the tragic death of our soldiers,” Tinubu stated. He also lamented the disruption of education for schoolgirls.
Consequently, he issued a marching order to all security agencies. They must respond with urgency and decisive action. The President vowed that the perpetrators would face the “full weight of the Nigerian state.”
Monitoring Multiple Fronts
President Tinubu remains in Abuja. This allows him to receive real-time security briefings.
Beyond the crisis in Kebbi, he is monitoring another attack. This involves an assault on worshippers at the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State.
Currently, the President is reviewing intelligence reports. These come from Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Police, and the Department of State Services (DSS).
“Those who threaten the safety of our citizens will face justice,” the President affirmed. Finally, he urged communities to share vital information with security forces to save lives.
