The presidency on Friday clarified the circumstances surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s meeting with victims of recent attacks in Plateau State at the Yakubu Gowon Airport in Jos, citing operational and logistical constraints.
The President’s itinerary for Thursday initially included receiving Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno before proceeding to Iperu in Ogun State.
However, following a security briefing by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, President Tinubu suspended his Ogun trip and made arrangements for an urgent visit to Jos.
The bilateral meeting with the Chadian leader focused on strengthening security collaboration, extended beyond schedule, and delayed his departure.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the absence of navigational aids at the Jos airport makes night landings and take-offs impossible, limiting the President’s movement within the available daylight window.
As a result, it was considered impractical for the President to travel into Jos township about 40 minutes from the airport and return in time for departure.
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Consequently, victims and key stakeholders were brought to a hall adjoining the airport to enable the president to meet with them promptly.
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 attacks.
During the engagement, President Tinubu expressed condolences to the victims, interacted with community leaders, and reassured them of the Federal Government’s commitment to ending the recurring violence in the state.
He also promised the deployment of 5,000 AI-enabled surveillance cameras across Jos to enhance security and aid in identifying perpetrators while inviting community leaders to Abuja for further dialogue on lasting solutions.
The presidency emphasized that the visit was not merely symbolic but a strategic engagement aimed at addressing the root causes of the decades-long conflict and fostering sustainable peace in Plateau State.
Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie
