By SEKYEN WALSHAK
President Bola Tinubu has explained the reasons behind his decision to meet victims of the recent Plateau attacks at the Yakubu Gowon Airport in Jos, citing scheduling pressures and logistical limitations.
In a press release signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), and obtained by THE NIGERIA STANDARD on Friday, April 3, 2026, the Presidency explained that the President’s itinerary for Thursday initially included receiving the Chadian President, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, before proceeding to Iperu in Ogun State.
According to the statement, the President suspended his planned trip to Ogun State after receiving a security briefing from Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang on Wednesday.
It added that arrangements were immediately made overnight for the President’s visit to Jos, with presidential assets deployed at short notice.The Presidency, however, noted that the scheduled visit of the Chadian leader could not be postponed due to its strategic importance.
It explained that President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno was at the Presidential Villa for a high-level bilateral meeting focused on strengthening security collaboration between Nigeria and Chad.
The statement said the meeting extended beyond its expected duration, thereby affecting the President’s departure schedule for Jos.Upon arrival in Plateau State, the Presidency said the visit was further constrained by operational and logistical challenges.
It noted that while the journey from the airport to Jos township takes approximately 40 minutes by road, the airport runway lacks navigational aids required for night operations.
The statement explained that this limitation made it impracticable for the President to travel into the city, meet victims at the affected communities, and return to the airport before dusk.
Consequently, it said, state and federal officials arranged for representatives of the affected communities to be brought to a hall adjoining the airport to facilitate a timely engagement with the President.
The Presidency disclosed that the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Inspector-General of Police were present at the meeting, having earlier visited Rukuba, identified as the epicentre of the attacks.
It further revealed that President Tinubu had deployed a high-level delegation to the area ahead of his visit, including the Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement, to undertake preliminary security and community engagement efforts.
According to the statement, the President’s visit was aimed not only at commiserating with victims but also at engaging key stakeholders on ending the protracted cycle of violence in Plateau State.
It stressed that the visit was a strategic intervention designed to address the underlying causes of the recurring conflict.The statement noted that President Tinubu interacted directly with victims, offering condolences and listening to their experiences.
It added that he also held discussions with community leaders, assuring them of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring justice and restoring peace.
As part of measures to strengthen security, the President announced plans to deploy 5,000 AI-enabled surveillance cameras across Jos to enhance monitoring and aid law enforcement in identifying and apprehending perpetrators.
He also invited community leaders to Abuja for further consultations aimed at developing a sustainable framework for peace in the state.The Presidency described the engagement, which was broadcast live, as solemn and reassuring, noting that it helped to restore public confidence.
It maintained that despite criticisms from some quarters, the President’s visit achieved its intended objectives.
The statement emphasised that the visit underscored the administration’s position that lasting peace must be built through inclusive engagement with affected communities.