The Presidency has clarified the circumstances that led to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu meeting victims of the recent Plateau attacks at the airport in Jos, citing logistical and security constraints.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, it was explained that the President’s schedule on Thursday initially included receiving Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno at the Presidential Villa and travelling to Iperu in Ogun State.
However, following a briefing by Caleb Mutfwang on the security situation in Plateau, President Tinubu suspended his Ogun trip and arranged an urgent visit to the state capital.
The statement noted that preparations for the Jos visit were made overnight, but the President’s meeting with the Chadian leader—focused on strengthening bilateral security cooperation—extended beyond the scheduled time, delaying his departure.
Upon arrival in Jos, additional logistical challenges emerged. The Presidency explained that although the road journey from the airport to the city centre takes about 40 minutes, the airport runway lacks the navigational aids required for night operations, making it impractical for the President to travel into the المدينة and return before dusk.
As a result, government officials arranged for representatives of affected communities to meet the President at a hall near the airport to ensure timely engagement within operational constraints.
Among those present were the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Inspector-General of Police, who had earlier visited Rukuba, identified as the epicentre of the violence. A high-level delegation, including the Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement, had also been deployed ahead of the President’s visit to conduct preliminary security and community assessments.
According to the Presidency, the visit was aimed at engaging key stakeholders and addressing the root causes of the recurring conflict in Plateau State, which has resulted in significant loss of lives and property over the years.
During the meeting, President Tinubu commiserated with victims, listened to community leaders, and assured them of the Federal Government’s commitment to justice and lasting peace. He also announced plans to deploy 5,000 AI-enabled surveillance cameras across Jos to enhance security monitoring and aid law enforcement.
The President further invited community leaders to Abuja for continued dialogue aimed at finding sustainable solutions to the crisis.
The Presidency described the engagement as a strategic intervention rather than a symbolic gesture, noting that it was broadcast live and helped to reassure residents of the government’s commitment to restoring peace.
It added that the visit underscored the administration’s position that enduring peace must be achieved through inclusive dialogue and collaboration with affected communities.
