Presidency: Why Tinubu addressed victims of Plateau attack at airport – THIS UPDATE

The Presidency has explained why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed the victims of the recent Plateau State attacks at the Yakubu Gowon Airport in Jos, citing logistical constraints and urgent security considerations that shaped the structure of his visit.

Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday said the President’s decision follows a number of developments, including an extended bilateral meeting with Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno and operational restrictions at Jos Airport.

He said Tinubu had initially planned two engagements for Thursday – to receive the Chadian leader and proceed to Iperu, Ogun State, but changed his itinerary after receiving a briefing from Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang on the scale of the attacks.

“Overnight, the Presidential Villa made arrangements for the visit to Jos, with presidential resources rapidly deployed,” the statement read, stressing, however, that the Chadian president’s visit cannot be postponed due to its strategic importance.

The bilateral meeting, which focused on strengthening regional security cooperation, reportedly lasted longer than expected, delaying the president’s departure for Jos.

“Further constraints emerged upon arrival in Plateau State. The Presidency explained that the runway at Jos Airport lacks navigation aids for night operations, making it impossible for the President to travel to the city, about 40 minutes away, and return safely before sunset.

“As a result, state and federal officials agreed to bring representatives of the affected communities to a room adjacent to the airport, allowing the President to meet with them in a timely manner while adhering to flight restrictions,” the statement added.

Present at the meeting were senior security officials, including the defense minister, the army chief of staff and the inspector general of police, who had earlier visited Rukuba, identified as the epicenter of the violence.

The President had also dispatched a high-level team prior to his arrival, including his Senior Special Assistant for Community Engagement, to begin preparatory work on stabilizing security and community relations.

Apart from offering his condolences, Tinubu used the meeting to engage stakeholders in ending the long cycle of violence in Plateau State.

“The visit was not merely symbolic. It was a high-level strategic engagement aimed at addressing the root causes of the decades-long conflict,” the statement read.

During the interaction, Onanuga continued, the President listened to victims and community leaders, assuring them of the Federal Government’s commitment to justice and lasting peace.

It also announced plans to deploy 5,000 AI-enabled surveillance cameras across the state to improve monitoring, improve intelligence gathering and help identify perpetrators of violence.

Tinubu also invited community leaders to Abuja for expanded consultations aimed at developing sustainable solutions to recurring crises.

The meeting, broadcast live, was described as solemn and reassuring and, according to the Presidency, helped to strengthen residents’ confidence in the government’s efforts.

“President Tinubu achieved the purpose of his visit, despite attempts in some quarters to ridicule him. He sent a clear message that sustainable peace must be built with the people, not imposed,” the statement read.

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