The presidency has clarified the circumstances behind Bola Tinubu’s meeting with victims of the recent attacks in Plateau State, which took place at the Yakubu Gowon Airport rather than within the city.
According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the decision was driven by operational and logistical limitations. The airport lacks navigational aids required for night operations, making take-offs and landings only possible during daylight hours.
Initially, President Tinubu’s schedule included hosting Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno before proceeding to Iperu in Ogun State. However, following a security briefing from Caleb Mutfwang, he postponed the Ogun visit and arranged an emergency trip to Jos.
The meeting with the Chadian leader, focused on strengthening regional security cooperation, ran longer than expected, delaying the President’s departure. Given the limited daylight window and the roughly 40-minute travel time between the airport and Jos city, it became impractical for Tinubu to visit the town and return in time.
As a result, victims and key stakeholders were convened in a hall near the airport to ensure timely engagement.
During the meeting, which was attended by top security officials, the President conveyed his condolences, engaged with community leaders, and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ending the recurring violence in the state.
He also announced plans to deploy 5,000 AI-powered surveillance cameras across Jos to strengthen security and improve the identification of perpetrators. Additionally, he invited community leaders to Abuja for further discussions aimed at finding lasting solutions.
The presidency stressed that the visit went beyond symbolism, describing it as a strategic effort to address the root causes of the long-standing conflict and promote sustainable peace in Plateau State.
