Presidency Explains Tinubu’s Airport Meeting with Plateau Attack Victims

|By Adejumo Adekunle

The Presidency has clarified why Bola Tinubu addressed victims of the recent attacks in Plateau State at the airport in Jos instead of visiting affected communities.

In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, logistical and scheduling constraints were cited as the reasons behind the decision.

According to the Presidency, Tinubu’s schedule on Thursday included receiving Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, President of Chad, at the Presidential Villa before proceeding to Iperu in Ogun State. However, following a briefing by Caleb Mutfwang, Governor of Plateau State, the President suspended his Ogun trip and arranged an emergency visit to Jos.

The Presidency explained that the bilateral meeting with the Chadian leader, which focused on strengthening security cooperation, extended beyond its scheduled time, delaying Tinubu’s departure.

It added that upon arrival in Jos, additional logistical challenges emerged, particularly the airport’s inability to support night operations due to the absence of navigational aids.

The statement noted that, due to these constraints, representatives of the affected communities were brought to meet the President at a hall near the airport.

It further revealed that security chiefs, including the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Army Staff and the Inspector General of Police, had earlier visited Rukuba, identified as the epicentre of the violence.

During the meeting, President Tinubu condoled with victims, engaged stakeholders and discussed measures to address the recurring attacks in the state.

He also assured residents of the Federal Government’s commitment to justice and lasting peace, while announcing plans to deploy 5,000 AI-enabled cameras to strengthen security surveillance and help identify perpetrators.