President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with victims of recent attacks in Plateau State at a hall near the Jos Airport after logistical challenges prevented him from visiting the town directly. The visit came after a series of engagements, including hosting the President of Chad, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to discuss bilateral security cooperation.
Originally scheduled to travel to Iperu, Ogun State, President Tinubu suspended the trip following a briefing from Caleb Mutfwang and overnight arrangements were made for the Jos visit. The President faced restrictions due to the airport runway’s inability to support night flights, making it impossible to drive into Jos township and return before dusk. Authorities therefore brought representatives of the affected communities to a hall adjacent to the airport to meet the President.
Accompanying President Tinubu were key federal officials, including the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Inspector General of Police, who had previously visited Rukuba, the epicenter of the conflict. A high-level team, led by the Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement, was deployed to the area ahead of the President to stabilize the community and engage with local leaders.
During the meeting, President Tinubu offered condolences to the victims, assured residents that the federal government would deliver justice, and vowed to end the cycle of violence in Plateau State. He announced the deployment of 5,000 AI-enabled cameras to enhance security monitoring and identify perpetrators. He also invited community leaders to Abuja for further discussions aimed at achieving a lasting resolution to the recurring conflicts.
The televised session, described by the Presidential Villa as solemn and reassuring, sought to boost confidence among residents while emphasizing that sustainable peace must be built in collaboration with local communities.
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the visit was both symbolic and strategic, aiming to address the root causes of the decades-long conflict and foster meaningful engagement between federal authorities and the people of Plateau State.
