The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his recent visit to Jos following deadly attacks in Plateau State, describing the trip as “insensitive” and a “superficial show.”
The condemnation followed Sunday night’s attack in Jos, where gunmen opened fire at a crowded junction, killing at least 28 people.
President Tinubu visited the state on Thursday to commiserate with victims and their families. He was received by Governor Caleb Mutfwang and other security officials upon arrival.
During the visit, the President met with grieving families at a hall near the airport, where he offered condolences. He was also seen consoling a bereaved mother in a widely circulated video.
However, the decision to conduct all engagements at the airport, rather than visiting affected communities or hospitals, sparked widespread criticism among residents and political stakeholders.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP faulted both the President’s response to the attack and the manner of his visit.
The party alleged that the presidency remained silent for more than 48 hours after the incident and only acted following public pressure.
It described the visit as lacking empathy and meaningful engagement.
“Four days later, President Tinubu grudgingly visited Plateau State in the evening, rushed through a meeting with stakeholders and victims at the lounge of the Jos airport,” the party said.
The PDP further characterised the trip as a “performative and superficial show,” adding, “It would have been better for President Tinubu to have stayed back in Abuja than to mount this disgraceful display that added salt to the injury of the victims of this massacre.”
Criticism also extended to the President’s conduct during the visit.
The party claimed his remarks suggested impatience, noting that he referenced limited time and logistical constraints.
“His impatience with the audience was glaring when he declared that the ‘airport does not have light’ and that he had only 10 minutes before flying back to Abuja,” the statement added.
The PDP linked the President’s decision to remain at the airport to broader security concerns, arguing that it underscored the severity of insecurity across the country.
“The President’s inability to leave the airport is clearly linked to the untamed insecurity that has overwhelmed the nation’s security agencies,” the party said.
Responding to the criticism, the presidency explained that the arrangement was due to scheduling and logistical challenges, including a delayed bilateral meeting with Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, as well as flight restrictions requiring departure before dusk.
The PDP also dismissed the Federal Government’s plan to install 5,000 surveillance cameras in Jos, describing it as an inadequate response to the crisis.
“The President’s announcement of 5,000 Closed-Circuit Television cameras is yet another evidence of the simplistic lens through which this administration views core security challenges,” the party stated, calling instead for a broader, community-driven approach.
In his remarks during the visit, President Tinubu assured residents that efforts were underway to end the cycle of violence and prevent a recurrence of such attacks.
He also invited community leaders to Abuja for further dialogue on lasting solutions.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also weighed in, describing the visit as a “choreographed spectacle” that prioritised optics over genuine engagement.
Following the attack, sporadic violence was reported in parts of the city, particularly around the University of Jos, further escalating tensions.
Although security has since been reinforced, concerns remain over the fragile situation. Authorities have continued to urge calm while efforts are ongoing to restore stability.
Meanwhile, students of the University of Jos have been evacuated after the institution was shut down due to rising security concerns in the state capital.
