By Cross Udo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday assured residents of Jos that his administration would deliver lasting peace to the troubled city, declaring that the government must move beyond sympathy to decisive action following Sunday’s deadly attack that left at least 28 persons dead and 22 injured.
Tinubu gave the assurance during a visit to Plateau State, where he met with government officials, traditional leaders and families affected by the violence, which has heightened tension in parts of the state capital.
“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,” the President said.
The March 29 attack at a busy junction in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos claimed several lives, including students and staff linked to the University of Jos, triggering fear and sporadic unrest across parts of the city.
Addressing stakeholders during the visit, Tinubu stressed that his administration was elected to ensure peace and prosperity, not merely to offer condolences after recurring violence.
“Governor, you and I were elected on the promise of peace and prosperity — not to comfort and create widows and widowers, but to ensure inclusiveness in government, share hope and aspirations with everyone and lead our youths.
“I don’t want to be here merely commiserating and consoling. I want to be here to establish peace,” he said.
Tinubu also expressed sympathy for families affected by the attack, including a woman captured in a viral video mourning her son killed in the incident.
“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 added.
The President said restoring Jos to its former status as a peaceful and thriving city remained a priority of his administration.
*It’s temporary setback- Muftwang
Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, described the attack as a temporary setback and expressed optimism that ongoing security efforts would restore stability to the state.
“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,” Mutfwang said.
He commended security agencies for their efforts to tackle insecurity, noting that many attacks had been prevented, even though citizens often focus only on breaches that occur.
“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,” he said.
The governor expressed confidence that increased collaboration with the armed forces and the Inspector-General of Police would strengthen ongoing operations to curb violence.
“We believe that with the support we are going to get from the armed forces and the Inspector-General of Police, by God’s grace, we will win this war against insurgency. We will do our best to guarantee peace and security for our people,” he added.
His remarks come amid reports of fresh casualties in parts of Jos, despite heightened security presence following the earlier imposition and subsequent relaxation of a 48-hour curfew.
*UniJos orders evacuation as tension deepens
Meanwhile, authorities at the University of Jos ordered the evacuation of students from campus hostels as tensions escalated in areas close to the institution.
Students were seen leaving their hostels with luggage, moving in groups towards the Old Airport Roundabout, where transportation arranged by the Plateau State Government conveyed them to safer destinations.
Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations, Emmanuel Madugu, said the Vice-Chancellor, Tanko Ishaya, approved the evacuation as a precautionary measure following the deteriorating security situation.
“The Vice Chancellor has directed the immediate evacuation of students from the university hostels in view of the general security situation and the near chaotic scenarios witnessed in areas close to the university,” the statement read.
According to the university management, the decision became necessary after renewed tension in Jos hours after the relaxation of the curfew imposed in the aftermath of the attack.
Authorities said adequate security had been deployed to safeguard campus facilities, while efforts continue to restore calm in affected communities.
Residents have continued to call for sustained intervention by both federal and state authorities to prevent further escalation of violence and ensure lasting stability in Plateau State.
