President Tinubu Adjusts Schedule to Visit Jos Following Deadly Terrorist Assault
President Bola Tinubu has announced a significant change to his official itinerary, postponing a planned trip to Ogun State in order to visit Plateau State. This decision comes in response to a devastating terrorist attack that occurred in Jos, which resulted in the tragic loss of up to 40 lives.
Condolence Visit Takes Priority Over Infrastructure Commissioning
In a statement shared on his official social media account, President Tinubu revealed that he has cancelled his visit to Iperu, Ogun State, originally scheduled for Thursday, April 2, 2026. Instead, he will travel to Plateau State to offer condolences and support to the affected communities. The president emphasized that his primary duty at this moment is to stand in solidarity with the people of Plateau during this period of grief and mourning.
"I have postponed my trip to Iperu, Ogun State. My first duty at this moment is to stand with the people of Plateau," President Tinubu declared in his post. "I will be in Jos to commiserate with families who have lost loved ones and to reaffirm that those who seek to spread fear will not prevail."
The president had initially been scheduled to commission the Gateway Airport at Iperu before traveling to Lagos for the Easter Good Friday holidays. Under the revised plan, he will now proceed to Lagos directly from Plateau State after completing his condolence visit.
Details of the Jos Terrorist Attack
The violent incident that prompted this presidential response occurred on Sunday night, March 29, 2026, when armed assailants attacked the Angwa Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State. The assault resulted in multiple fatalities, including students, and triggered widespread outrage, public protests, and the imposition of a government curfew in the affected area.
Initial reports indicated approximately 10 casualties from the attack, but subsequent investigations by news organizations have suggested the death toll may be as high as 40 victims. This tragic event represents one of the most severe attacks in a year marked by numerous incidents of violence, kidnapping, and loss of life across northern Nigeria.
Political Response and Public Criticism
Prior to President Tinubu's announcement, his administration faced considerable criticism from Nigerian citizens and public figures who expressed concern over what they perceived as insufficient response to the Jos tragedy. Many called on the commander-in-chief to demonstrate stronger leadership and address the ongoing security challenges facing the nation.
On April 1, 2026, Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang visited President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa to provide a comprehensive briefing on the attack and its aftermath. This meeting occurred as public pressure mounted for decisive action from the federal government.
Celebrities and influencers joined the chorus of voices demanding presidential attention to the crisis, with popular actor Mr. Macaroni among those who publicly criticized what they viewed as inadequate response from national leadership in the immediate aftermath of the violence.
Revised Presidential Schedule and Future Plans
In his statement, President Tinubu outlined his revised travel plans, noting that after visiting Plateau State and observing Good Friday in Lagos, he will resume his previously scheduled engagements. These include official visits to Ogun, Lagos, and Bayelsa states, where he plans to focus on infrastructure development, trade enhancement, and economic growth initiatives.
The president concluded his announcement with a message of national unity and determination: "In moments of grief, we must stand together. In moments of progress, we must keep building. The work continues. Nigeria First."
Families of the attack victims and residents of Jos will be watching closely to see whether the president's visit yields tangible results in addressing the persistent insecurity that has plagued Plateau State and other regions of northern Nigeria. The condolence visit represents both a symbolic gesture of solidarity and an opportunity for the federal government to demonstrate its commitment to improving security measures and delivering justice for affected communities.
