Title: Tinubu’s Airport Stop in Jos Due to Tight Schedule, Flight Limits — Presidency Date Published: 03 April 2026 Description: The Presidency has clarified the circumstances surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to remain at the airport during his recent visit to Jos, attributing it to scheduling pressures and logistical constraints.During the visit, the President met with families of victims affected by the recent attack in Angwa Rukuba, located in Jos North Local Government Area. The victims were transported to the airport venue, where Tinubu expressed his condolences and reassured them of the Federal Government’s commitment to preventing a recurrence.Speaking at the meeting, Tinubu noted the urgency of his return trip and limitations at the airport, stating that while material compensation could not fully address their loss, his administration would ensure such incidents do not happen again.The President’s decision to remain at the airport drew criticism from some quarters, with opposition figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, describing the move as insensitive and overly choreographed.However, in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency explained that Tinubu’s original schedule included receiving Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno in Abuja before proceeding to Ogun State.Following a security briefing by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the President adjusted his itinerary to make an urgent visit to Jos. However, the prior bilateral engagement with the Chadian leader, focused on regional security cooperation, could not be postponed and extended longer than anticipated.The delay affected the President’s arrival time in Jos, where additional constraints emerged. According to the Presidency, the airport runway lacks navigational aids required for night operations, making it unsafe for late departures. Given the approximately 40-minute travel time between the airport and the city centre, it became impractical to visit the affected community directly and return before dusk.As a result, officials arranged for representatives of the affected community to meet the President at a hall within the airport premises. Senior security officials, including the Minister of Defence, Chief of Army Staff, and Inspector General of Police, had earlier visited the scene of the attack to assess the situation.The Presidency emphasised that beyond offering condolences, the visit was aimed at engaging stakeholders to address the root causes of the longstanding conflict in Plateau State. Tinubu also pledged enhanced security measures, including the deployment of 5,000 AI-powered surveillance cameras to improve monitoring and response in the city.Additionally, community leaders were invited to Abuja for further dialogue as part of efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region.The Presidency maintained that the visit, though brief and limited to the airport, fulfilled its purpose of engaging victims and key stakeholders while reinforcing the government’s commitment to restoring peace and security. Attached Images: 88dfaf714067680a69f9cb5ac53e52415e65dfd7fdde6b992271b0056b192808.jpg Attached Video: None