Residents of Plateau State have condemned President Bola Tinubu for addressing victims of the Palm Sunday attack at Yakubu Gowon Airport in Heipang, rather than visiting them directly in Gari Yawaye, Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, where more than 30 people were killed and many others injured.
The President’s visit, meant to commiserate with victims, sparked outrage because the airport is approximately 100 kilometres from the scene of the attack. Many residents said that addressing people at the airport, away from the victims and hospitals, was insensitive and politically motivated.
Kacholom Luka, commenting on social media, asked:
“Welcome to Heipang Airport of Plateau State, Mr. President. Are the injured victims being transported here for your viewing? Should you not visit the victims in the hospital?”
Comrade Bright Gyang described the visit as “insensitive, callous, unfeeling, and thoughtless,” pointing out that the President’s presence in an armored convoy did little to show empathy for the grieving families.
Other residents criticized the gathering for including mostly politicians, traditional and religious leaders, and party supporters, rather than the actual victims. Joel Poret questioned the purpose of Tinubu’s visit, suggesting the address could have been delivered from Abuja instead.
Kefas Habila added that leaders should inspire hope during crises. He said:
“The presence of our leader during tumultuous times gives us hope, yet the President chose to stay a stone’s throw away, applying a ‘healing balm’ from afar instead of visiting the victims.”
Critics also noted that this behavior aligns with Tinubu’s previous visits to states affected by violence, such as Benue, where his presence did not include personal interactions with affected communities.
Ibrahim Yakubu and Emma Jando, a former supporter, claimed the President’s actions reflect a pattern among Nigerian politicians prioritizing politics over people’s welfare. Jando remarked that Tinubu “showed the traits of a typical politician who doesn’t care about ordinary citizens.”
The Palm Sunday attack has intensified anger and grief in Plateau State, and residents continue to call for compassionate leadership that places victims’ welfare at the forefront during crises.
