The Presidency has clarified why Bola Tinubu met victims of the recent attack in Jos at the airport instead of visiting the affected communities.
In a statement issued on Friday, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the decision was necessitated by security and logistical constraints, particularly operational limitations at the Jos airport.
According to Onanuga, the President had originally planned to travel to Ogun State after hosting Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, but changed his schedule following a briefing from Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang.
He explained that the meeting with the Chadian leader, which focused on strengthening bilateral security cooperation, extended beyond the expected time and delayed the President’s departure for Jos.
On arrival in Plateau State, further constraints made it impractical for Tinubu to proceed into the city and return to the airport before nightfall.
Onanuga noted that although the drive from the airport to Jos township takes about 40 minutes, the absence of navigational aids at the airport prevents night operations.
“The limitations made it unfeasible to travel into town, assess the situation on ground, and return safely before dusk,” he said.
As a result, authorities arranged for victims and community representatives to meet the President at a facility near the airport, allowing him to engage them within the available time frame.
Onanuga added that top security officials, including the Chief of Army Staff and the Inspector-General of Police, had earlier visited the affected areas in Rukuba to assess the situation firsthand.
He maintained that the President’s visit was aimed at fostering dialogue and finding lasting solutions to the recurring violence in Plateau State. During the engagement, Tinubu reassured victims of the Federal Government’s commitment to justice and lasting peace, while also listening to concerns from local leaders.
The Presidency also disclosed that the President proposed deploying 5,000 AI-powered surveillance cameras across Jos to improve security and aid law enforcement in identifying perpetrators.
Onanuga said Tinubu further invited community leaders to Abuja for continued discussions, stressing that the visit was a strategic effort to promote sustainable peace rather than a symbolic gesture.
