Tinubu's Empathetic Visit to Jos Victims Earns High Praise from Peace Forum
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received commendation from the Middle Belt Peace Forum (MBPF) for his recent visit to victims of the deadly attacks in Jos, Plateau state. The president postponed an official engagement in Iperu on Thursday, April 2, to personally console the grieving communities, an action described by the forum as a profound demonstration of empathy and responsive leadership.
Forum Condemns Cowardly Attacks and Calls for Unity
In a statement issued on Friday, April 3, and signed by its national coordinator, Pastor Bulus Garba, the MBPF strongly condemned the perpetrators of the Plateau killings, labeling them as cowards who prey on innocent and defenceless citizens. The forum emphasized that such violent acts are inhumane and pose a direct threat to national unity and peace, urging decisive resistance from all state arms.
Pastor Garba stated, "We condemn in the strongest terms the actions of these cowardly attackers whose only aim is to instil fear and destabilise peaceful communities. Their actions must be met with firm and decisive resistance from all arms of the state." The forum highlighted that Tinubu's visit sends a powerful message of solidarity, reinforcing public confidence in the federal government's commitment to protecting lives and property.
Commendation for Military and Call for Police Improvement
The MBPF also praised the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for their resilience and professionalism in restoring stability across troubled regions. The forum acknowledged the sacrifices made by soldiers operating under difficult conditions to safeguard communities and defend Nigeria's territorial integrity.
However, the forum expressed concern over the need for greater synergy among security agencies. It called on the Nigeria Police Force to rise to its constitutional responsibility by effectively supporting the military in stabilising and securing cleared areas. The MBPF stressed that sustainable peace requires a coordinated approach, with the military clearing territories and the police maintaining law and order to enable displaced communities to return and rebuild.
Tinubu's Security Reforms and Future Promises
During his visit, President Tinubu pledged sweeping security reforms for Plateau state, including the deployment of over 5,000 artificial intelligence-enabled surveillance cameras. He made this announcement while sympathising with residents over the March 29 killings in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North local government area, promising that such experiences would not repeat.
The forum pledged its full support to ongoing military operations and urged citizens across the Middle Belt to cooperate with security forces by providing timely information and fostering unity. This call to action underscores the critical role of community involvement in achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
