The Presidency has explained why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met victims of the recent attacks in Plateau State at the airport in Jos, instead of visiting the affected communities.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the decision was attributed to logistical and scheduling constraints.
According to the statement, the President’s itinerary on Thursday initially included receiving Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno at the Presidential Villa, before proceeding to Iperu in Ogun State.
However, following a briefing by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang on the security situation, Tinubu cancelled his Ogun trip and arranged an emergency visit to Jos.
The Presidency said the bilateral meeting with the Chadian leader, which focused on strengthening security cooperation between both countries, lasted longer than expected and delayed the President’s departure.
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It added that upon arrival in Jos, further logistical challenges arose, including the airport’s inability to support night operations due to the absence of navigational aids.
“President Tinubu’s itinerary for Thursday included two main engagements: receiving the Chadian President and proceeding to Iperu, Ogun State.
“After Governor Mutfwang’s briefing, he suspended the Ogun trip. Overnight, arrangements were made for the Jos visit, but the meeting with the Chadian leader could not be postponed and ran longer than expected,” the statement said.
Onanuga noted that, as a result, representatives of the affected communities were brought to a hall near the airport to meet with the President.
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 violence.
During the meeting, Tinubu condoled with victims, engaged stakeholders and discussed measures to curb the recurring attacks in the state. He also reassured residents of the Federal Government’s commitment to justice and lasting peace.
The President further announced plans to deploy 5,000 AI-enabled cameras to strengthen security surveillance and aid in tracking down perpetrators.