Cites Logistical Constraints, Lack of Navigational Aids as Key Challenges
Abuja: The Presidency has clarified why President Bola Tinubu met victims of the Plateau killings and stakeholders at Jos airport instead of in town.
Officials explained that flights in and out of Jos airport are limited to daylight hours because there are no navigational aids at night.
They further explained that, compounded by these aviation rules, logistical and security concerns made it unsafe for the President and his team to travel between the airport and Jos city and return before dark.
Onanuga elaborated that the lack of night navigational aids at the runway restricted flights to daylight hours.
He added that, as a result, driving into Jos and returning before dusk was not feasible.
State and federal authorities brought representatives of affected communities to a hall adjoining the airport to meet the President.
This arrangement enabled prompt engagement with victims while authorities followed aviation safety rules.
Providing more context, Onanuga noted that Tinubu’s travel plans were further complicated by extended talks in Abuja with Chadian leader Mahamat Idriss Déby on strengthening bilateral security cooperation.
This meeting contributed to the President’s delayed departure. The meeting ran longer than planned, delaying the President’s departure.
After receiving a briefing from Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Tinubu suspended a planned trip to Ogun State and prioritised a visit to Jos.
Authorities made overnight preparations for the President’s travel, working within the constraints that Jos airport operates only during daylight hours due to a lack of navigational aids at night.
Onanuga added that security and time limitations further contributed to the decision that entering Jos township before dusk was logistically unfeasible.
The Minister of Defence, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Inspector-General of Police attended.
Onanuga noted that security chiefs had already visited Rukuba, identified as the epicentre of the conflict, before Tinubu arrived.
During the meeting, Tinubu interacted with victims, listened to their concerns, and assured decisive action. He promised to deploy 5,000 AI-enabled cameras to enhance surveillance and improve security in Plateau State.
The President also invited community leaders to Abuja for further consultations aimed at lasting peace.
The live-televised engagement reassured residents and underscored the administration’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable security.
Tinubu emphasised that achieving enduring peace requires active involvement from the people alongside government efforts.