Why Tinubu Met Plateau Victims At Airport — Presidency

The Presidency has explained why President Bola Tinubu met victims of the recent attacks in Plateau State at the airport in Jos, citing logistical constraints, security considerations, and the urgency of engaging stakeholders.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President’s itinerary for Thursday initially included receiving the President of Chad, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, and proceeding to Iperu in Ogun State.

However, following a briefing by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang on the attacks, President Tinubu suspended his trip to Ogun, and overnight arrangements were made at the Presidential Villa for an urgent visit to Jos, with presidential assets swiftly deployed.

The statement noted that the President could not postpone the scheduled bilateral meeting with the Chadian leader, which focused on strengthening security collaboration between both countries. The meeting, it added, ran longer than expected, thereby affecting the President’s scheduled departure for Jos.

Upon arrival in Jos, further logistical challenges emerged. The Presidency explained that although the road distance from the airport to Jos township is approximately 40 minutes, the airport runway does not support night flights due to the absence of navigational aids.

“These constraints made it unfeasible to drive into town, meet victims for on-the-spot assessment and return to the airport before dusk,” the statement said.

Consequently, state and federal officials arranged for representatives of the affected communities to be brought to a hall adjoining the airport, enabling the President to meet them promptly while adhering to flight restrictions.

Among those present at the meeting 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 conflict.

The Presidency disclosed that President Tinubu had deployed a high-level team to Rukuba ahead of his arrival, including the Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement, to carry out critical groundwork on security and community engagement aimed at stabilising the area.

Beyond expressing condolences, the President’s objective, according to the statement, was to engage critical stakeholders in Plateau State on ending the recurring, decades-old conflict that has led to the loss of lives and destruction of property.

It stressed that the visit “was not merely symbolic” but a strategic, high-level engagement designed to bring stakeholders together to address the root causes of insecurity in the state.

During the meeting, President Tinubu interacted with the victims, consoled them, and listened to their concerns, as well as those of local leaders. He assured them that the Federal Government would deliver justice and end the cycle of violence.

He also promised the deployment of 5,000 artificial intelligence-enabled cameras to monitor the city and enhance the identification and arrest of perpetrators.

Furthermore, the President invited community leaders to Abuja for further discussions aimed at finding a lasting solution to the recurring violence.

The meeting, which was televised live, was described as solemn and reassuring, boosting residents’ confidence.

The Presidency maintained that President Tinubu achieved the purpose of his visit despite criticisms, emphasising that he sent a clear message that sustainable peace must be built with the people, not imposed on them.