President Tinubu Alters Itinerary, Prioritizes Plateau Condolence Visit
President Bola Tinubu has postponed his scheduled trip to Iperu, Ogun State, where he was originally set to inaugurate operations at the Gateway International Cargo Airport. Instead, the President will commence a multi-state tour with an immediate condolence visit to Jos, Plateau State, in direct response to the recent wave of gun attacks that have claimed numerous lives.
Governor Mutfwang Condemns Barbaric Acts, Assures Control
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has characterized the recent violence in the state as barbaric acts of terrorism. Following swift intervention by security agencies, Governor Mutfwang assured the public that the situation is now under control. He disclosed that decisive steps have been taken to restore calm, including the imposition of a curfew which was partially relaxed on Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Security Measures Implemented Across Plateau
In Mangu Local Government Area, Executive Chairman Emmanuel Mwolpun has imposed a curfew on Mangu Metropolis effective from Wednesday, April 1, 2026. The curfew runs from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily until further notice, implemented after careful deliberation with security heads to protect residents' lives and property.
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has ordered massive deployment of police personnel to Plateau State with clear directives to restore peace. The IGP specifically condemned the attacks in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, which resulted in the deaths of innocent citizens. Police authorities have urged public cooperation and vigilance while warning against taking the law into individual hands.
Easter Celebrations Adjusted Amid Security Concerns
The Federal Government has declared Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 6, 2026 as public holidays for Easter celebrations, according to Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The minister congratulated Christians nationwide while encouraging Nigerians to embrace virtues of selflessness, forgiveness, and love exemplified by Jesus Christ.
Following the Palm Sunday attack in Plateau that killed at least 27 people in Angwan Rukuba community, several Catholic dioceses across Nigeria have adjusted their Easter Vigil schedules. Many will no longer hold the traditional night celebration, instead conducting the Mother of Vigils earlier in the day for security reasons. The Diocese of Ondo announced Bishop Jude Arogundade's decision to move the Easter Vigil to 5:00 p.m. on Holy Saturday, citing prevailing insecurity and pastoral prudence.
President's Revised Travel Schedule
From Plateau State, President Tinubu will proceed to Lagos to observe Good Friday and continue with Easter engagements. On Saturday, he will travel to Ogun State to commission the Gateway International Cargo Airport in Iperu, where he will also inaugurate two commercial aircraft designated for cargo operations. This initiative aims to strengthen logistics capacity and boost trade and economic growth in the state.
During the Ogun visit, the President will commission the newly constructed Federal Operations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service along with its fleet of operational vehicles, as part of efforts to enhance border security and trade facilitation.
Returning to Lagos for the remainder of the Easter holiday, Tinubu is scheduled to commission major infrastructure projects executed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, including:
- The iconic Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge
- The Lagos State Geographic Information System Building
- A Multi-Agency Complex named after the President
- A newly completed school complex
The President will conclude his engagements with a visit to Bayelsa State on April 10, where he is expected to commission key projects delivered by Governor Douye Diri before returning to Abuja.
Community Response and Ongoing Security Operations
Mangu Local Council has urged residents to comply fully with the curfew directive, conducting lawful daily activities peacefully during daytime hours. Chairman Mwolpun appealed to residents to report any suspicious movements or activities to relevant security agencies immediately.
Governor Mutfwang expressed confidence that the recent attack would mark a turning point in the state's security response, noting that security forces had swiftly contained an attempted breakdown of order by looters earlier in the day. The Plateau State government continues to work closely with federal security agencies to maintain stability and prevent further violence.
