Tinubu Heads to Jos Over Plateau Killings as Police Boost Security Deployment

President Bola Tinubu has rescheduled his planned visit to Iperu in Ogun State, opting instead to travel to Jos following the deadly attacks that claimed at least 27 lives.

The decision followed a meeting at the Aso Rock Villa with Caleb Mutfwang, who briefed the President on the worsening security situation in Plateau State.

In a parallel move, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered the deployment of Police Mobile Force units and additional tactical teams to the state to restore order.

Details of the President’s itinerary were outlined in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirming that Tinubu would visit Jos to commiserate with residents over the violence in Angwan Rukuba, located in Jos North.

From Plateau, the President is expected to proceed to Lagos for the Good Friday observance, before continuing to Ogun State on April 4 for the inauguration of key projects, including the Gateway International Cargo Airport, new commercial aircraft for trade, and facilities belonging to the Nigerian Customs Service. He is also scheduled to return to Lagos for further project inaugurations under the administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu, before heading to Bayelsa State on April 10 to commission projects by Governor Douye Diri.

Earlier, Governor Mutfwang disclosed that the President was considering a personal visit to sympathise with the people.

“The President commiserates with the entire state, and as a matter of fact, he’s contemplating coming to the state personally to commiserate with the people.

“It’s something that has touched him personally, and he wants to show the people his love and affection for them,” Mutfwang had told State House correspondents.

Speaking after the meeting, the governor revealed that no arrests had yet been made in connection with the attack.

“Unfortunately, we’ve not been able to lay hands on the attackers yet to know their identities and their motive,” he said.

He explained that understanding the root causes of the violence would depend on apprehending those responsible.

“In a crisis of this nature, you can’t reduce it to one reason. It is a mixture of multiple reasons, and sometimes you can only deduce the actual reasons when you are able to get two groups of people, first the victims and then the attackers.

“Unfortunately, we’ve not been able to lay hands on the attackers yet to know their identities and their motive,” he explained.

Mutfwang also disclosed that attempts to destabilise the area persisted even after the government eased curfew restrictions.

“We relaxed the curfew this morning from 8am to 3pm, but unfortunately, this morning, there were some looters who tried to disrupt the peace again.

“But I’m glad that the security forces, working together, were able to calm the situation as of noon,” he said.

He added that the President had directed additional security measures, though specifics were not disclosed.

Describing the killings in strong terms, the governor insisted the violence had no religious justification.

“We are seeing this as an act of criminality. It is barbaric. We condemn it.

“It is an act of terrorism, because whatever religion you belong to, it does not give you any basis to come and do the kind of actions that were done on Sunday.”

He expressed optimism that the tragedy would lead to stronger security responses going forward.

“What I can assure you is that this has become a decisive turning point that I’m sure going forward we’re going to see more proactive actions,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force confirmed a reinforcement of security operations in the state through the deployment of specialised units.

According to Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, the IGP had earlier sent the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Umar Nadada, to coordinate efforts on the ground.

“In response to the situation, the Inspector-General of Police had earlier deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Umar Nadada, to Plateau State to assess the security situation, coordinate ongoing operations, and strengthen the existing security architecture,” the statement said.

The police added that further reinforcements had been deployed to stabilise the situation.

“The Inspector-General of Police states that these actions will continue until normal conditions return.

“He has instructed all operational commanders to ensure visible policing and actively engage with vulnerable communities,” the statement added.

The police leadership also extended condolences to victims’ families and urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.