The Presidency has defended Bola Tinubu following criticism over his interaction with victims of the recent attack in Plateau State during his visit to Jos.
Tinubu visited the state on Thursday, days after at least 28 people were killed in an attack in Jos North Local Government Area. The visit drew mixed reactions, particularly online, with some questioning the manner of his engagement with victims.
In a statement on Friday, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga explained that logistical constraints and prior commitments affected the President’s schedule. He noted that Tinubu had hosted Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, President of Chad, at the Presidential Villa for a bilateral meeting focused on security cooperation, which ran longer than anticipated.
Onanuga also cited operational limitations at the Jos airport, stating that the runway lacks navigational aids required for night flights. This made it impractical for the President to travel into the city, meet victims, and return to the airport before dusk.
As a result, officials arranged for representatives of the affected communities to meet the President at a hall near the airport to ensure timely engagement while complying with aviation restrictions.
He added that Tinubu had originally planned to travel to Iperu in Ogun State but cancelled the trip after being briefed on the security situation in Plateau by Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
According to the Presidency, arrangements for the Jos visit were made overnight, but the scheduled meeting with the Chadian leader could not be postponed.