Residents fault Tinubu over airport address during Plateau condolence visit

Some residents of Plateau State have criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the manner of his condolence visit to the state following the Palm Sunday attack in Gari Yawaye, Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North Local Government Area, where more than 30 persons were reportedly killed and several others injured.

The President visited the state on Thursday to commiserate with victims of the March 29 violence. However, instead of proceeding to the affected community or visiting those receiving treatment in hospitals, Tinubu addressed stakeholders at the Yakubu Gowon Airport in Heipang, located a considerable distance from the scene of the attack, before departing the state.

The development sparked mixed reactions among residents, many of whom expressed disappointment, describing the visit as lacking the empathy and symbolic presence they expected from a national leader during a period of grief.

Several residents took to social media to voice their concerns, questioning why the President chose to speak at the airport rather than meet directly with victims or their families.

One resident wrote, “Welcome to Heipang Airport of Plateau State, Mr. President. Are the injured victims of the attack, currently receiving treatment in the hospital, being transported there for your viewing? Should you not be visiting the victims in the hospital? It is well with all of us in this country.”

Comrade Bright Gyang described the move as disheartening, stating, “I don’t know our crimes and offenses, but surely I believe God is punishing us with these kinds of leaders we have at the moment. A leader sympathizing and addressing victims in an armoured truck, a president sitting and welcoming high dignitaries and stakeholders at the airport.”

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Another resident, Joel Poret, questioned the rationale behind the visit, arguing that it could have been handled differently. “This is the most insensitive, callous, unfeeling, uncaring, thoughtless, and tactless act ever exhibited by a leader whose people have suffered untold hardship. Why did he even come to Plateau in the first place? He could have given his speech in Abuja instead of coming in the first place,” he said, adding that the victims were not present at the airport while politicians, traditional and religious leaders, and party supporters were reportedly in attendance.

Rhoda Daniel also expressed dissatisfaction, stating, “This is not what we expected from President Tinubu. No sign of humanity. Don’t worry, we will vote for you at the airport in Heipang in 2027. Tinubu please don’t dare come for a campaign in Jos since you can’t enter now.”

Kefas Habila reflected on the symbolic importance of leadership presence in times of crisis. “All I know is that the presence of our leader at tumultuous times gives us hope, energy, and the assurance that we are not alone. Their words are therapeutic,” he wrote, noting that Tinubu had previously campaigned in the state before the 2023 general elections.

Joey Shekwonuzhibo observed that the stakeholders’ meeting was held in Heipang, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, about 40 minutes from Angwan Rukuba where the attack occurred.

Another resident, Aaron Azi, compared the visit to previous presidential trips following violent incidents in other states. He cited last year’s visit to Benue State after the Yelewata killings, alleging that the President did not visit the affected communities at the time. Azi also referenced incidents in Kwara, Kaduna, Borno, Niger, and Zamfara states, questioning the consistency of federal responses to violence across the country.

Ibrahim Yakubu described the development as reflective of a broader pattern in Nigerian politics, accusing leaders of prioritising political interests over the welfare of ordinary citizens.

Emma Jando, who identified himself as a supporter of the President, said he felt disappointed by the outcome of the visit. “I had expected him to act differently from others, but he showed the traits of a typical Nigerian politician who doesn’t care about the ordinary people,” he said.

As of the time of filing this report, there had been no official response from the Presidency addressing the criticisms surrounding the logistics and structure of the visit.

The attack in Gari Yawaye has further heightened concerns over security in Plateau State, with residents calling for stronger federal intervention and tangible measures to prevent a recurrence of such violence.