Criticism has followed President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Plateau state, with concerns over the short duration of the trip, its restriction to the airport and the movement of victims to meet him.
Tinubu said at the start of his remarks that he had only 10 minutes to remain in Jos because of limited electricity at the airport.
Gunmen on March 29 attacked a community bar in Jos, killing about 28 people. In a separate incident, more than 50 people were killed when assailants invaded Kimakpa village in Bassa Local Government Area.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized the handling of the visit, describing it as insensitive and detached from the plight of victims.
In a statement issued by his aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the president did not visit bereaved families or injured victims in hospitals and offered no clear policy direction, decisive security intervention or assurances against a recurrence.
He alleged the visit was confined to the airport, where Tinubu met political allies and traditional rulers, far from affected communities. He also criticized the decision to transport grieving residents from parts of Jos to Heipang near Barkin Ladi, calling it disturbing during a period of mourning.
Atiku said the development reduced a human tragedy to a “choreographed spectacle,” prioritizing optics over empathy.
“A leader who cannot stand with his people in their darkest hour cannot convincingly claim to be fighting for their safety,” he said.
He added that Nigerians were not seeking symbolic visits but effective governance that guarantees protection of lives and property.
“They do not need to see the president’s face; they need to feel the impact of his leadership,” he said.
Atiku also described the visit as an “on-the-spot assessment” that did not extend beyond the airport or reach affected communities.
U.S. lawmaker condemns killings
Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith condemned the killings and urged the Nigerian government to take urgent steps to protect Christian communities.
Smith described the attacks as part of a “deeply disturbing pattern,” noting they occurred during Palm Sunday observances ahead of Easter.
He called for deployment of adequate security forces, accountability for perpetrators and protection of citizens regardless of religion.
“The Nigerian government has a fundamental responsibility and constitutional duty to protect all its citizens,” he said.
Tinubu announces security measures
Tinubu pledged to halt the violence, announcing plans to install more than 5,000 surveillance cameras across Jos to improve intelligence gathering and response.
“This experience will not repeat itself,” he said, assuring residents of the government’s commitment to restoring peace.
He directed security agencies to intensify operations and ensure those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
The president also tasked the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs with conducting a comprehensive assessment of victims to guide intervention efforts.
Army deploys additional troops
The Nigerian Army said it has deployed 850 additional troops from Abuja and Kaduna to Plateau state to reinforce ongoing operations.
Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu said the troops would support efforts to protect lives and restore order.
He urged residents to remain calm, comply with the curfew and cooperate with security agencies.
Sharia council alleges foreign involvement
The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria alleged the killings were orchestrated by foreign interests seeking to provoke wider religious conflict.
Secretary-General Nafiu Baba Ahmad said the attacks appeared coordinated and designed to inflame tensions.
He called for stronger intelligence, regional cooperation and decisive action to address the violence.
The council urged Nigerians to remain united and called on religious leaders to promote peace and restraint.
