PDP Slams Tinubu’s Jos Visit as “Insensitive” and “Superficial” After Plateau Attacks

President Bola Tinubu’s airport-only engagement in Jos draws sharp criticism from PDP, former VP Atiku Abubakar, and residents amid rising security concerns in Plateau State

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By John Ishaku | Abuja, Nigeria

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Jos following Sunday night’s deadly attacks in Plateau State, describing it as “insensitive” and a “superficial show” that failed to meaningfully engage affected communities.

The attacks, which occurred at a busy junction in Jos, left at least 28 people dead. In response, President Tinubu visited the state on Thursday, meeting victims’ families at a hall near the Jos airport. The visit included personal consolations, including a viral moment where he comforted a grieving mother.

However, the decision to hold all interactions at the airport, without visiting affected neighborhoods or hospitals, sparked widespread criticism from residents, opposition parties, and political stakeholders.

PDP Labels Visit “Performative”

In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong, the PDP criticised the president for delaying his visit for over 48 hours and for rushing through meetings with victims and stakeholders.

“Four days later, President Tinubu grudgingly visited Plateau State in the evening, rushed through a meeting with stakeholders and victims at the lounge of the Jos airport,” the PDP said. “It would have been better for President Tinubu to have stayed back in Abuja than to mount this disgraceful display that added salt to the injury of the victims of this massacre.”

The party also cited the president’s visible impatience during the visit, noting his remarks about the airport lacking lights and the limited 10-minute window before departure. It further linked the airport-only arrangement to national security challenges.

Government Response and Security Plans

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The presidency explained that logistical and scheduling constraints, including a delayed bilateral meeting with Chad’s Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno and flight restrictions, necessitated the airport-based engagement.

During the visit, President Tinubu pledged to end the cycle of violence in Jos and announced plans to deploy 5,000 AI-enabled surveillance cameras across the city to strengthen intelligence gathering.

Despite these assurances, the PDP dismissed the proposed CCTV initiative as insufficient, urging the federal government to adopt a “whole-of-society approach” with emphasis on community engagement to tackle insecurity.

Former VP Atiku Abubakar Weighs In

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also criticised the visit, describing it as a “choreographed spectacle” prioritising optics over genuine engagement.

Rising Tensions and Evacuations

Sporadic violence continued in parts of Jos, particularly around the University of Jos, prompting authorities to evacuate students amid heightened security concerns. Security agencies have since reinforced patrols, but local residents remain cautious as officials work to restore stability.