PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has consoled residents and families of victims of Sunday’s deadly attack in Jos, Plateau State, which left at least 28 people dead and 22 others injured, assuring them that such an incident will not recur.
News Point Nigeria reports that he gave the assurance during his visit to Jos on Thursday, where he interacted with government officials, traditional leaders, and affected families, among others.
“To the victims, there is nothing I can give you, whether in billions of naira, but I can console you and promise that this experience will not repeat itself,” Tinubu said.
Speaking directly to the woman seen holding her dead son in a viral video following the attack, Tinubu said.
“I know your pain; I saw in the video how you held on to your son and felt the agony in your heart. Only God can give you joy and comfort. No amount of money can compensate for your loss. As a government, we will do our best to support and comfort you.”
He said the best solution for Jos is to restore the city to the way it once was, as residents remember and grew up knowing.
President Tinubu said that the government was elected on the promise of peace and prosperity, pledging to restore peace to Jos rather than merely offering condolences.
“Governor, you and I were elected on the promise of peace and prosperity—not to comfort and create widows and widowers, but to bring prosperity as promised, to ensure inclusiveness in government, to share hope and aspirations with everyone, and to lead our youths.
“And to those represented here, let me give this assurance: I don’t want to be here merely commiserating and consoling. I want to be here to establish peace.”
President Tinubu thanked the men and women of the Armed Forces for their efforts so far and urged them to do more to apprehend the perpetrators.
According to him, Jos was once a peaceful city, hosting many activities without incident, and deserves to enjoy peace again.
“I thank the men and women of the Armed Forces for what you are doing and for what you are about to do. You must go out and find the killers—not merely to console and create widows and widowers.
“I’m glad the IGP is here, I’m glad the Chief of Army Staff is here, and I’m glad the Minister of Defence is here. Our dear leaders, I have been to Jos, I have enjoyed Jos, and Jos is a city of peace. We have held our political activities here,” he said.
The President further stated that the Minister of Communications, Bosun Tijani, will oversee the installation of about 5,000 security cameras to assist law enforcement agencies in identifying criminal elements.
“We are going to immediately install a network of cameras that will help law enforcement agencies identify troublemakers instantly over 5,000 of them,” he said.
Also speaking, Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, described the recent attack in Jos as a temporary setback, expressing confidence that the state will overcome its current security challenges.
“This incident of last Sunday is a temporary setback. I am persuaded that, by the grace of God, we will overcome that setback and continue on our trajectory to peace, tourism, and stability,” the governor said.
Mutfwang thanked the President for the visit and commended security agencies for their efforts, noting that many of their successes often go unnoticed.
“Sometimes when these events occur, it is painful to citizens, and they think that nothing is being done, but I want to salute our security forces for the gallant efforts they have been putting in.
“People only notice the breaches that occur; they never get to know the ones that are prevented. But I can tell you that the security challenge has stared us in the face, and I am confident that the efforts by the security agencies will continue to improve,” he said.
The governor added that with continued support from the armed forces and the Inspector-General of Police, the state would prevail.