The Presidency has explained why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed victims of the recent Plateau State attacks at the Yakubu Gowon Airport in Jos, citing logistical constraints and urgent security considerations that shaped the structure of his visit.
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According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President’s decision followed a series of developments, including an extended bilateral meeting with Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno and operational limitations at the Jos airport.
The Presidency said Tinubu had initially scheduled two engagements for Thursday: receiving the Chadian leader and proceeding to Iperu, Ogun State, but altered his itinerary after receiving a briefing from Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang on the scale of the attacks.
“Overnight, the Presidential Villa made arrangements for the visit to Jos, with presidential assets quickly deployed,” the statement said, noting, however, that the Chadian President’s visit could not be postponed due to its strategic importance.
The bilateral meeting, which focused on strengthening regional security cooperation, reportedly ran longer than expected, delaying the President’s departure for Jos.
Upon arrival in Plateau State, further constraints emerged. The Presidency explained that the runway at the Jos airport lacks navigational aids for night operations, making it impossible for the President to travel into the city, about 40 minutes away, and return safely before dusk.
“As a result, state and federal officials agreed to bring representatives of the affected communities to a hall adjoining the airport, enabling the President to meet them promptly while adhering to flight restrictions,” the statement added.
Present at the meeting were top security officials, including 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.
The President had also deployed a high-level team ahead of his arrival, including his Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement, to undertake groundwork on security stabilisation and community relations.
Beyond offering condolences, Tinubu used the meeting to engage stakeholders on ending the protracted cycle of violence in Plateau State.
“The visit was not merely symbolic. It was a strategic, high-level engagement aimed at addressing the root causes of the decades-old conflict,” the statement said.
During the interaction, the President listened to victims and community leaders, assuring 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 the state to enhance monitoring, improve intelligence gathering, and aid in identifying perpetrators of violence.
Tinubu further invited community leaders to Abuja for expanded consultations aimed at developing sustainable solutions to the recurring crises.
The meeting, which was broadcast live, was described as solemn and reassuring, with the Presidency noting that it helped boost residents’ confidence in government efforts.
“President Tinubu achieved the purpose of his visit, despite attempts in some quarters to ridicule it. He sent a clear message that sustainable peace must be built with the people, not imposed on them,” the statement said.
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