Why Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, was flown abroad

The Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Abba Kyari, was flown to the UK for medical attention on Wednesdays after he began to have breathing difficulties.

A source at the Presidential Villa said that Mr. Kyari was rushed to London on a British Airway flight on Wednesday morning.

The source said Mr. Kyari had been battling with diabetes and was recently in the UK to receive treatment.

“The Chief was almost unconscious when they took him to the UK, but he is doing very well now,” the source said.

News website, Sahara Reporters, earlier published a report saying Mr. Kyari’s condition worsened following the kidnap of a former minister, Bagudu Hirse, in front of the residence of Mamman Daura.

Mr. Kyari and a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babagana Kingibe, were in Mr. Daura’s residence when the kidnap happened.

“The Chief was shocked after all the security details ran away leaving them to their fate.

“He drove away all the security men except the one who refused to run away and they drove back to Abuja in a very tight security,” he said.

He also said Mr. Kyari was badly shaken from the Kaduna experience.

“He has not been the same since he returned. In fact, he gave the policeman that stood by him a token of money as gratitude,” he said.

Mr. Hirse has since been released by his abductors.

The presidency has not released any statement on Mr. Kyari’s trip or illness.