THE PRESIDENCY has explained President Bola Tinubu’s decision to meet Plateau killings victims and stakeholders at the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos, citing logistical and operational constraints.
Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said the arrangement followed extended engagements with visiting Chadian leader, Mahamat Idriss Déby, on Thursday, in Abuja, before flying to Jos.
Onanuga, in a statement on Friday, said the president’s Thursday itinerary included receiving the Chadian leader and a scheduled trip to Iperu in Ogun State.
He said after a briefing by Plateau Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, Tinubu suspended the Ogun trip and prioritised a visit to Jos.
According to him, arrangements were made overnight for the Jos visit, with presidential assets deployed promptly to facilitate the trip.
He noted that the meeting with the Chadian President which focused on strengthening bilateral security cooperation, lasted longer than expected, affecting Tinubu’s departure time.
“The President of Chad was at the Presidential Villa for a very important bilateral meeting focused on strengthening security collaboration between the two countries,” Onanuga said.
He explained that upon arrival in Jos, additional logistical challenges made it impractical for the President to proceed into the city and return before nightfall.
Onanuga said the airport runway lacks navigational aids required for night operations, restricting flight movements to daylight hours.
He added that the road journey from the airport to Jos township, estimated at about 40 minutes, could not be accommodated within the available time frame.
“These constraints made it unfeasible to drive into town, meet victims, and return to the airport before dusk,” he said.
Consequently, he said state and federal authorities arranged for representatives of affected communities to meet the President at a hall adjoining the airport.
He said the decision ensured prompt engagement with victims while adhering to safety and aviation regulations.
Among those present at the meeting were the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Inspector-General of Police.
Onanuga stressed that the security chiefs had earlier visited Rukuba, identified as the epicentre of the conflict, ahead of the President’s arrival.
He noted that Tinubu had deployed a high-level team, including aides on community engagement, to undertake groundwork aimed at stabilising the area.
According to him, the president’s visit was not merely symbolic but a strategic engagement to address the root causes of recurring violence in Plateau.
“Beyond condolences, the President engaged critical stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the decades-old conflict,” Onanuga said.
He said Tinubu interacted with victims, listened to their concerns, and assured them of justice and decisive government action.
The spokesman added that the president also engaged community leaders and encouraged dialogue as part of efforts to restore peace.
Onanuga disclosed that Tinubu promised the deployment of 5,000 AI-enabled cameras to enhance surveillance and improve security in the state.
He said the president also invited community leaders to Abuja for further consultations aimed at achieving lasting peace.
According to him, the meeting, which was televised live, provided reassurance to residents and boosted public confidence.
The presidential aide said the visit underscored the administration’s commitment to inclusive peacebuilding and sustainable security solutions.
He added that the president conveyed a clear message that enduring peace must be built through engagement with the people. (NAN)
