Tinubu Explains Airport-Only Visit to Plateau Attack Victims Amid Security Talks with Chad
Jos, Nigeria – January 5, 2024
President Bola Tinubu’s brief stop at Jos airport during his visit to Plateau State has sparked criticism, but his office insists the decision was unavoidable due to pressing security talks with Chad and logistical constraints.
The Nigerian leader had planned to meet victims of the recent Palm Sunday massacre, which left 28 dead and dozens injured. Instead, he addressed community representatives at the airport before returning to Abuja—a move that drew backlash from locals expecting a more extensive engagement.
Why Tinubu Couldn’t Enter Jos Proper
Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga clarified in a Friday statement that Tinubu’s schedule was disrupted by an extended bilateral meeting with Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno. The talks, focused on cross-border security cooperation, ran longer than anticipated, delaying the Plateau trip.
Adding to the challenge, Jos airport lacks night-flight capabilities, forcing Tinubu’s team to expedite the visit before dusk. “Driving into the city would’ve required 40 minutes each way, making it impossible to assess the attack sites and return safely before dark,” Onanuga explained.
State and federal officials instead arranged for victims’ representatives to meet the president at an airport-adjacent hall. Among attendees were Nigeria’s defense minister, army chief, and police inspector general, who had earlier surveyed the violence epicenter in Rukuba.
Tinubu’s Pledge: “This Won’t Happen Again”
During the meeting, Tinubu vowed to prevent future attacks, calling the Plateau killings “unacceptable.” He announced plans to deploy 5,000 AI-powered surveillance cameras across Jos to identify troublemakers and invited community leaders to Abuja for follow-up peace talks.
“Justice will be served,” he assured residents, acknowledging decades of cyclical violence in the region. The president’s delegation emphasized that the visit—though abbreviated—was strategic, aiming to foster dialogue rather than perform “symbolic” gestures.
Mixed Reactions
While some locals welcomed Tinubu’s assurances, others criticized the airport-only stop as inadequate. Critics argue that firsthand visits to attack sites, like Rukuba, would’ve demonstrated stronger solidarity.
Defending the decision, Onanuga stressed that Tinubu’s priority was actionable security measures. “Sustainable peace must be built with the people, not imposed on them,” he noted, adding that high-level envoys had already conducted groundwork in affected areas.
Broader Context
Plateau State has endured recurrent ethno-religious clashes, with over 200 deaths reported in 2023 alone. Tinubu’s administration faces mounting pressure to address root causes, including land disputes and weak law enforcement.
The president’s truncated visit underscores Nigeria’s broader security challenges—from banditry in the northwest to separatist tensions in the southeast. His talks with Chad’s leader reflect regional efforts to curb violence spilling across borders.
What’s Next?
Tinubu’s promised surveillance tech and Abuja follow-up meetings will be closely watched. For now, Plateau residents await tangible steps toward lasting peace—hoping this tragedy, unlike others, won’t fade from national attention.
— Reported by Nexio News
