Jos Attack: Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Avoiding Victims During Plateau Visit

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not directly engage with victims of recent attacks in Jos, Plateau State, during his visit, claiming the president remained at the airport throughout.

In a statement issued Thursday by his spokesman, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the visit as a “choreographed spectacle” driven more by political optics than genuine concern for affected communities following the Palm Sunday killings.

He expressed concern over what he called a growing “pattern of detachment” by the presidency in responding to national tragedies, arguing that the visit lacked the seriousness required for the situation.

“It is both shocking and deeply insensitive that several days after the gruesome killings of innocent citizens, the President’s so-called ‘on-the-spot assessment’ was reduced to a brief stop at the foot of his aircraft—never extending beyond the airport, never reaching the grieving communities, and never touching the pain of the victims,” the statement read.

Atiku further claimed the visit was cut short to allow the president travel to Lagos for the Easter holidays, describing the move as a troubling prioritisation amid national mourning.

He also criticised the handling of victims, alleging that some were transported to the airport in Heipang, near Barkin Ladi, instead of the president visiting affected communities or hospitals.

“At a time when families are in deep mourning, such actions reduce genuine human tragedy to a choreographed spectacle—prioritising optics over empathy and dignity. This is not only inappropriate; it is shameful,” he stated.

Drawing parallels with a previous visit to Benue State in June 2025, Atiku claimed a similar pattern occurred, alleging the president avoided visiting the epicentre of violence in Yelwata, with the event instead turning into a political gathering.

While acknowledging that Tinubu met with political and traditional leaders at the airport during the Plateau visit, Atiku argued that no concrete policy direction or decisive security measures were announced to address the crisis.

“This is not leadership; it is indifference dressed as protocol. A leader who cannot stand with his people in their darkest hour cannot convincingly claim to be fighting for their safety,” he said.

Atiku concluded by urging the government to move beyond symbolic gestures, stressing that Nigerians expect tangible action to address insecurity and protect lives and property.