The Nigerian Presidency has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to meet victims of the Plateau killings at a hall near the Yakubu Gowon Airport instead of visiting affected communities directly.
In a statement issued on Friday, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, cited logistical limitations and flight restrictions as key reasons for the arrangement.
Flight Constraints Shaped Presidential Visit
According to the Presidency, the airport runway in Jos lacks the necessary navigational aids for night operations. This made it impossible for the President to travel into the city, meet victims, and return before dusk.
Officials explained that although the journey from the airport to Jos metropolis takes about 40 minutes, time constraints prevented a full visit.
As a result, representatives of affected communities were brought to a hall adjoining the airport for a direct engagement with the President.
Background: Deadly Plateau Attack
The visit followed a deadly assault on the Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area during Palm Sunday.
The attack, carried out by gunmen, reportedly claimed at least 28 lives, making it one of the most severe incidents of violence in Plateau State in recent years.
Delay Linked to Meeting with Chad’s President
The Presidency also addressed concerns about delays in Tinubu’s arrival in Jos.
It revealed that the President had earlier hosted Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno at the Presidential Villa in Abuja for a bilateral meeting focused on regional security cooperation.
The meeting reportedly extended beyond schedule, affecting Tinubu’s travel timeline.
Originally, the President had planned to visit Iperu in Ogun State but canceled the trip after receiving a security briefing from Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang.
Tinubu Engages Victims, Security Chiefs
Despite the constraints, the Presidency maintained that the visit achieved its objectives.
During the meeting, Tinubu consoled victims, interacted with community leaders, and met with top security officials, including the Chief of Army Staff and the Inspector-General of Police.
He also addressed a grieving mother whose viral video drew national attention, acknowledging her pain and offering words of comfort.
Security Measures Announced
President Tinubu announced several measures aimed at addressing insecurity in Plateau State, including:
- Deployment of over 5,000 AI-powered surveillance cameras
- Directive to security agencies to apprehend perpetrators
- Establishment of a committee to assess damages and provide compensation
- Invitation to community leaders for further dialogue in Abuja
Separately, the Nigerian Army confirmed the deployment of over 850 additional troops under Operation Enduring Peace.
Criticism Trails Airport Visit
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized the President’s approach, describing the visit as insensitive.
In a statement by his aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that the President failed to visit the affected communities directly, calling the engagement insufficient given the scale of the tragedy.
Presidency Defends Strategy
- However, the Presidency insisted the visit was deliberate and strategic.
- Onanuga stated that Tinubu’s engagement focused on bringing stakeholders together to address the root causes of violence in Plateau State.
- He emphasized that sustainable peace requires collaboration with affected communities rather than symbolic appearances.
