The Presidency has clarified why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met victims of the recent Plateau attacks at Yakubu Gowon Airport in Jos rather than visiting the affected community directly. The decision, it said, was due to logistical and operational constraints during the condolence visit.
In a statement on Friday, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said the visit followed an urgent adjustment after Governor Caleb Mutfwang briefed the President on the severity of the attacks. Tinubu had initially been scheduled to receive Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno in Abuja and travel to Iperu, Ogun State, but postponed the Ogun trip to prioritise Plateau.
“Upon arrival in Jos, time and aviation limitations made it impracticable for the President to travel from the airport to the city centre, meet victims in Angwan Rukuba, and return before dusk, as the runway does not support night operations,” the statement said. As a result, representatives of the affected community were brought to a hall adjoining the airport to meet the President.
Mr Onanuga emphasised that the visit was not merely symbolic. “President Tinubu’s objective was to engage key stakeholders to address the root causes of recurring violence, assure justice, and work towards lasting peace in Plateau State,” he said.
During the engagement, the President consoled victims, listened to local leaders, and announced the deployment of 5,000 AI-enabled cameras to enhance surveillance and aid law enforcement. Community leaders were also invited to Abuja for further discussions on a durable solution to the decades-long conflict.
“The televised meeting was solemn and reassuring, boosting residents’ confidence. Sustainable peace must be built with the people, not imposed on them,” Mr Onanuga added.
