The Presidency has clarified that President Bola Tinubu addressed victims of the recent attacks in Jos at the airport due to logistical and security challenges that made it impractical to hold the meeting within the city.

In a statement issued on Friday, the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, explained that the President had initially scheduled engagements, including receiving Idriss Déby Itno and travelling to Iperu in Ogun State.

However, following a briefing from Caleb Mutfwang on the deadly attacks in Plateau State, President Tinubu adjusted his itinerary and proceeded to Jos.

According to the spokesperson, the visit of the Chadian leader could not be postponed due to its strategic importance in strengthening bilateral security cooperation between both countries.

On arrival in Jos, additional logistical issues arose, particularly the airport’s inability to support night operations due to the absence of navigational aids. With the road trip from the airport to the city estimated at about 40 minutes, it became unfeasible to travel into town, meet victims, and return to the airport before dusk.

As a result, government officials arranged for representatives of the affected communities to meet the President at a hall near the airport, ensuring timely engagement while complying with aviation safety limitations.

The spokesperson emphasized that the President’s visit was not merely symbolic but part of a broader strategy to address the root causes of recurring violence in Plateau State and foster lasting peace.

He added that beyond commiserating with victims, President Tinubu also invited community leaders to Abuja for further dialogue aimed at finding sustainable solutions to the crisis.