Tinubu Postpones G20 and AU–EU Trips Amid Kebbi Schoolgirls Abduction, Faces International Pressure
President Bola Tinubu has postponed his planned attendance at both the G20 Summit in Johannesburg and the AU–EU Summit in Luanda, citing “security breaches in Kebbi State” and a church attack in Kwara State, according to a statement by his spokesman. He has directed security agencies to “do everything possible to rescue the 24 schoolgirls … and bring the girls back home, safe.” In a more personal note, he said: “I am depressed … that heartless terrorists have disrupted the education of innocent schoolgirls.” Internationally, the criticism has been sharp. U.S. Senator Jim Risch stated, “Nigeria has long failed to protect its schoolchildren from jihadist and criminal abductions, and little has changed.” He added: “As the U.S. engages the Nigerian government on the persecution of its most vulnerable citizens, we will continue to hold them accountable.” Another American lawmaker, Congressman Riley Moore, called for prayers: “Please join me in praying for the 25 girls who have been kidnapped and for the repose of the soul of their vice principal, who was killed.” He also warned: “While we don’t have all the details on this horrific attack … the Nigerian government must do more to end the rampant violence.” Domestically, Tinubu’s decision to stay in Nigeria underscores how this particular abduction crisis is being treated as a matter of high urgency. The deployment of more security personnel to Kwara State and the formal pause of international travel suggest an attempt to reassert control, but reactions abroad intimate that tactical fixes must be matched by deeper reforms. The government’s immediate priority is undoubtedly the safe return of the girls. Yet, even if that is achieved, the concern of rebuilding confidence in Nigeria’s security architecture not just through force, but through stronger intelligence, community engagement, and institutional accountability, needs to be assured.
| 2025-11-19 17:58:56