Tinubu explains airport meeting with Plateau victims, citing logistics, security limits, prolonged Chad talks, vows justice, surveillance, lasting peace.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has explained why he addressed victims of recent attacks in Plateau State at the airport rather than visiting affected communities directly, citing logistical and security constraints.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency said the decision followed adjustments to the President’s schedule and operational limitations in Jos.
According to the statement, Tinubu had initially planned two engagements on Thursday — receiving Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno and travelling to Iperu in Ogun State — but altered his itinerary after receiving a briefing from Caleb Mutfwang.
“After Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s briefing, President Tinubu suspended the trip to Ogun,” the statement said.
“Overnight, the Presidential Villa made arrangements for the visit to Jos, with presidential assets quickly deployed.”
However, the Presidency noted that the President could not reschedule his meeting with the Chadian leader, which focused on strengthening bilateral security cooperation.
“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.
“The meeting ran longer than expected, affecting President Tinubu’s scheduled departure for Jos.”
Upon arrival in Jos, further constraints emerged, particularly regarding flight operations and timing.
“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 statement 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, authorities opted to bring representatives of affected communities to a hall near the airport to enable the President meet them within the available time.
“State and federal officials decided to bring representatives of the affected community to a hall adjoining the airport so the President could meet with them promptly while adhering to flight restrictions,” it stated.
The Presidency added that top security officials, including the Minister of Defence, Chief of Army Staff and Inspector General of Police, had earlier visited Rukuba, identified as the epicentre of the conflict.
“President Tinubu deployed a high-level team to Rukuba, including the Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement, to undertake critical groundwork on security and community engagement,” the statement said.
Beyond condolences, Tinubu’s visit was described as part of a broader effort to address the root causes of the longstanding crisis in Plateau State.
“President Tinubu’s objective was to engage with critical stakeholders in Plateau State on ending the recurring, decades-old conflict that has resulted in needless loss of lives and property,” the statement noted.
The Presidency insisted the visit was more than symbolic, describing it as a strategic intervention.
“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.”
During the engagement, Tinubu met with victims, listened to their concerns and reassured them of government action.
“He interacted with the victims, consoled them, and listened to them,” the statement said.
“He also listened to local leaders and assured them that the federal government would deliver justice and end the cycle of violence.”
The President also announced plans to deploy advanced surveillance technology to improve security in the state.
“He promised the deployment of 5,000 AI-enabled cameras to monitor the city and enhance the identification and arrest of troublemakers,” the statement added.
In addition, community leaders were invited to Abuja for further dialogue.
“The President invited the community leaders to Abuja for further talks on finding a lasting solution to the recurring violence in the state.”
The Presidency said the meeting, which was broadcast live, helped reassure residents.
“The meeting, televised live, was solemn and reassuring, boosting residents’ confidence,” the statement said.
“President Tinubu achieved the purpose of his visit, despite the naysayers’ attempts to ridicule it.”
It concluded with a broader message on peacebuilding.
“He dropped an unmistakable message: sustainable peace must be built with the people, not imposed on them.”
