The Presidency has clarified the circumstances surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to meet victims of the recent killings in Plateau State at a facility near the airport in Jos, rather than visiting the affected communities directly.
In a statement issued on Friday, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, explained that logistical and operational constraints necessitated the arrangement.
According to the Presidency, the runway at Yakubu Gowon Airport lacks the infrastructure required for night-time operations, making it impossible for the President to travel into Jos metropolis, conduct an on-site assessment, and return safely before dusk.
The statement noted that although the distance between the airport and the city is approximately 40 minutes by road, the time limitations posed significant risks to the President’s movement schedule.
As a result, government officials opted to bring representatives of the affected communities to a hall close to the airport, allowing the President to engage them promptly while adhering to aviation safety restrictions.
The visit followed a deadly attack in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North Local Government Area, where at least 28 people lost their lives during violence that occurred on Palm Sunday.
During the interaction, President Tinubu reportedly consoled victims and engaged community leaders on measures to curb recurring violence in the state. He also met with a grieving mother whose emotional video circulated widely after the attack, offering words of comfort and hope.
As part of the Federal Government’s response, the President announced several initiatives, including the deployment of over 5,000 AI-powered security cameras across Plateau State, the establishment of a committee to assess damages and coordinate compensation, and plans to host community leaders in Abuja for further dialogue.
In addition, the Nigerian Army confirmed the deployment of more than 850 troops to reinforce security operations under Operation Enduring Peace.
However, the President’s approach drew criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who described the visit as inadequate and lacking sensitivity to the scale of the tragedy. He argued that the President should have visited the affected communities directly to demonstrate stronger empathy and leadership.
Despite the criticism, the Presidency maintained that the visit fulfilled its purpose by enabling direct engagement with victims and stakeholders, while reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring peace and preventing further violence in Plateau State.
