Residents of Jos, Plateau State, have expressed disappointment over President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit, which was restricted to the Yakubu Gowon Airport in Heipang, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, rather than extending to communities directly affected by recent attacks. Many described the visit as poorly managed and politicised, arguing that it lacked genuine empathy for victims.

The President, who cancelled an earlier trip to Ogun State to prioritise the Jos visit, arrived late in the evening despite heavy security presence across the metropolis from early morning. His brief stay at the airport, where selected victims were given identification tags to meet him, sparked criticism both locally and online.

Former governor Jonah Jang, while acknowledging the destruction of over 160 communities and displacement of thousands, drew mixed reactions when his speech shifted to praise for the President’s political future. He reiterated support for state policing but warned against placing such structures under the Inspector General of Police, stressing that the violence in Plateau stems from expansionist motives and land grabbing rather than farmer-herder clashes.

The Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Buba, commended the President’s effort but urged broader consultations, including a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja. Tinubu promised to deploy advanced surveillance technology, including 5,000 cameras across Plateau, and directed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs to compile data on victims for targeted support. He acknowledged the pain of survivors, saying only God could provide true comfort.

Despite these assurances, many residents remained dissatisfied. Critics argued that limiting the visit to the airport undermined its purpose, with some describing it as staged and insensitive. Civil society voices warned that avoiding direct engagement with affected communities risked deepening trauma and emboldening perpetrators. Others lamented that local leaders failed to use the occasion to speak candidly about insecurity, displacement, and injustice.

Overall, while the visit was intended to show solidarity, residents believe it fell short, insisting that meaningful engagement with victims and communities is essential to restoring trust and demonstrating genuine commitment to Plateau State.