By George Ozalla
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Lagos State after a condolence and security assessment visit to Plateau State, where renewed violence in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos left dozens of people dead and several others injured, worsening an already fragile security situation in the state.
The President arrived in Jos at a time of heightened tension and grief, and was received by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, senior government officials, and top security commanders. His visit combined sympathy for victims with a direct evaluation of the security response, as he moved swiftly into consultations with both political authorities and those on the frontlines of the crisis.
During his engagements, Tinubu met with families affected by the attacks and leaders of impacted communities, where he expressed deep concern over the scale of the killings and the recurring nature of such incidents in Plateau. He assured residents that the Federal Government would not treat the latest violence as routine, stressing that the loss of lives demanded a more coordinated and sustained response.
In a detailed security briefing session, the President received updates from military and intelligence officials on how the attacks unfolded, the vulnerabilities identified in the affected areas, and the measures already underway to stabilize the situation. He directed an immediate reinforcement of security presence in flashpoints, with specific emphasis on improving intelligence gathering, rapid response capacity, and coordination among agencies operating in the state.
Tinubu made it clear that beyond troop deployment, the effectiveness of security operations would depend on actionable intelligence and cooperation from local communities. He urged security agencies to deepen their engagement with residents, build trust, and ensure that early warning signs are not ignored.
The President also held a broader meeting with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders, where discussions focused on the deeper tensions fueling repeated outbreaks of violence in Plateau. He appealed for calm and restraint, warning that retaliatory actions would only prolong the cycle of bloodshed. He stressed the need for dialogue and community-level conflict resolution efforts to complement ongoing security operations.
Governor Mutfwang, while briefing the President, highlighted steps taken by the state government in response to the attacks, including emergency assistance for victims, deployment of local security structures, and continued engagement with community leaders to prevent escalation. He noted that the situation remains delicate, with displaced persons and fearful residents in several affected areas.
The governor commended the President for the visit, describing it as a critical show of concern and federal presence at a time when confidence in security has been shaken. He expressed hope that the directives issued during the visit would translate into more effective protection for vulnerable communities.
Before departing Plateau, Tinubu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring order and ensuring accountability. He stated that those behind the attacks would be identified and prosecuted, and assured that Plateau would continue to receive federal support through both security operations and humanitarian interventions.
His return to Lagos brings to a close a visit that comes against the backdrop of persistent instability in parts of Plateau State, particularly around Jos, where longstanding tensions have repeatedly erupted into violence. The latest incident has once again drawn attention to the challenges of securing the region and the urgent need for a more enduring solution that addresses both immediate threats and underlying causes.
