By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Presidency has explained why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed victims of recent attacks in Plateau State at the airport in Jos rather than visiting affected communities directly.

In a statement issued Friday and signed by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the State House said the decision was driven by logistical and security constraints.

According to the statement, Tinubu’s itinerary for the day included receiving President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno of Chad and a planned trip to Iperu in Ogun State, before the Plateau visit was introduced.

It said the President suspended his Ogun trip after receiving a briefing from Governor Caleb Mutfwang and made arrangements overnight to visit Jos.

However, the meeting with the Chadian leader, focused on strengthening bilateral security cooperation, lasted longer than expected, delaying Tinubu’s departure.

“Upon arrival in Jos, the visit encountered some logistical challenges… the runway does not support night flights due to the absence of navigational aids,” the statement said.

The Presidency noted that travelling from the airport to the city and returning before dusk was not feasible, prompting officials to relocate the meeting venue.

“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,” it added.

Top security officials, including the Chief of Army Staff and the Inspector General of Police, were said to have already visited Rukuba, identified as the epicentre of the violence, ahead of the President’s arrival.

The statement said Tinubu’s visit was aimed at engaging stakeholders and addressing the root causes of the conflict, rather than being merely symbolic.

“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,” the statement said.

During the meeting, the President reportedly interacted with victims, listened to community leaders, and assured them of the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring peace and justice.

He also announced plans to deploy 5,000 AI-enabled surveillance cameras to strengthen security monitoring in the area.

The President further invited community leaders to Abuja for continued dialogue on resolving the recurring crisis.

The Presidency said the meeting, which was broadcast live, was intended to reassure residents and demonstrate government commitment to lasting peace in Plateau State.

Update news