- The Presidency explained why President Tinubu met Jos attack victims at the airport instead of visiting affected communities
- The decision was due to logistical and security constraints, especially the Jos airport’s inability to support night flights
- Tinubu described the visit as a strategic engagement to address insecurity, not just a symbolic gesture
The Presidency has clarified why Bola Tinubu chose to meet victims of the recent Jos attack at the airport instead of visiting the affected communities.
In a statement released on Friday, April 3, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, attributed the decision to logistical and security challenges, particularly limitations at the Jos airport.
According to him, the President had initially planned to travel to Ogun State after hosting Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno. However, the plan was changed after a briefing from Caleb Mutfwang.
- “After Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s briefing, President Tinubu suspended the trip to Ogun. Overnight, the Presidential Villa made arrangements for the visit to Jos, with presidential assets quickly deployed,” the statement read.
Onanuga explained that the bilateral meeting with the Chadian leader, which focused on strengthening security cooperation, delayed the President’s departure.
“The meeting ran longer than expected, affecting President Tinubu’s scheduled departure for Jos,” he stated.
He further noted that operational constraints upon arrival made it difficult for the President to proceed into the city and return before nightfall.
“While the road distance from the airport to Jos township is approximately 40 minutes, the runway does not support night flights due to the absence of navigational aids,” he said.
“The constraints made it unfeasible to drive into town, meet victims for on-the-spot assessment and return to the airport before dusk.”
To address the situation, government officials arranged for victims and community representatives to meet the President at a hall near the airport.
“State and federal officials decided to bring representatives of the affected community to a hall adjoining the airport so the President could meet with them promptly while adhering to flight restrictions,” Onanuga explained.
He added that top security officials, including the Chief of Army Staff and the Inspector General of Police, had earlier visited the epicentre of the attack in Rukuba.
Onanuga emphasised that the President’s visit was designed to go beyond symbolism and foster meaningful engagement.
“President Tinubu’s visit to Jos was not merely symbolic. It was a strategic, high-level engagement aimed at bringing all stakeholders together to address the root causes of conflict and insecurity in the state,” he said.
He noted that the President met with victims, listened to their concerns, and reassured them of the Federal Government’s commitment to justice and peace.
“He also listened to local leaders and assured them that the federal government would deliver justice and end the cycle of violence,” the statement added.
The Presidency also revealed that Tinubu pledged to deploy “5,000 AI-enabled cameras to monitor the city and enhance the identification and arrest of troublemakers.”
Onanuga further disclosed that the President invited community leaders to Abuja for continued dialogue on resolving the crisis.
He maintained that despite criticism, the visit achieved its purpose and reinforced the administration’s stance on inclusive peacebuilding.