Yemi Obafemi
The Presidency has explained why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed victims of the Plateau attacks at the airport during his recent visit to Jos.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the decision was attributed to a combination of scheduling constraints and logistical challenges.
According to the statement, Tinubu had earlier scheduled engagements, including hosting Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno at the Presidential Villa for a bilateral meeting focused on strengthening security cooperation.
The meeting, however, ran longer than expected, delaying the president’s departure to Jos.
“The President of Chad was at the Presidential Villa for a very important bilateral meeting focused on strengthening security collaboration between the two countries,” the statement said.
It added that Tinubu had initially planned to travel to Iperu, Ogun State, but suspended the trip after receiving a briefing from Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
On arrival in Jos, further constraints shaped the nature of the visit.
“While the road distance from the airport to Jos township is approximately 40 minutes, the runway does not support night flights due to the absence of navigational aids,” the Presidency explained.
“The constraints made it unfeasible to drive into town, meet victims for on-the-spot assessment and return to the airport before dusk.”
As a result, victims and community representatives were brought to a hall near the airport to enable the president meet with them promptly.
Tinubu, according to the statement, used the opportunity to console victims, listen to their concerns, and engage critical stakeholders on resolving the long-standing conflict in the state.
“President Tinubu’s visit to Jos was not merely symbolic. It was a strategic, high-level engagement aimed at bringing all stakeholders together to address the root causes of conflict and insecurity in the state,” the statement noted.
The president also assured residents of the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring peace and ending the cycle of violence.
“Sustainable peace must be built with the people, not imposed on them,” the statement quoted him as saying.
Tinubu further promised enhanced security measures, including the deployment of 5,000 AI-enabled cameras to improve surveillance and aid in identifying perpetrators of violence.
He also invited community leaders to Abuja for further dialogue aimed at finding a lasting solution to the recurring crisis.
The Presidency said the meeting, which was televised live, helped reassure residents and boost confidence in ongoing efforts to stabilise the state.
