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Plateau Killings: Tinubu Never Left Airport, Victims Were Brought to Him — Atiku

ByTitilope Adako

PublishedApril 3, 2026

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Jos, Plateau State, over the recent killings, accusing him of failing to visit the affected communities and limiting his presence to the airport.

In a statement issued on Thursday evening by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the visit as a “choreographed spectacle” driven by political optics rather than compassion for victims of the Palm Sunday attacks.

He said the president’s action reflected what he called a growing disconnect from the pain and hardship confronting Nigerians.

Atiku argued that Tinubu’s assessment of the security crisis lacked the seriousness expected in the wake of such a tragedy.

“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.

He further alleged that the visit was cut short to enable the president return to Lagos for the Easter holidays, describing it as a troubling display of misplaced priority amid national mourning.

Atiku also criticised the handling of survivors and bereaved families, claiming that instead of Tinubu visiting hospitals or the affected communities, victims were brought to the airport to see him.

“Even more disturbing is the government’s decision to transport grieving citizens from distant parts of Jos Municipal to the airport in Heipang near Barkin Ladi, merely to stage an appearance before the President.

“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 said.

The former vice president said the incident mirrored Tinubu’s June 2025 visit to Benue State, where he claimed the president also failed to visit Yelwata, the epicentre of the violence, and instead presided over what turned into a political rally.

On Plateau, Atiku said Tinubu met politicians and traditional rulers at the airport but failed to announce any clear policy direction or firm security response to prevent further attacks.

“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 stated.

Atiku said Nigerians are tired of symbolic appearances and want concrete action to tackle insecurity.

“Nigerians are not asking for ceremonial appearances or fleeting sympathy visits. What they demand and deserve is a government that can secure lives and property. They do not need to see the President’s face; they need to feel the impact of his leadership,” he added.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.