Residents of Plateau State have expressed dissatisfaction with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following his recent visit to the state after the tragic Palm Sunday attack in Gari Yawaye, a community located in Angwan Rukuba within Jos North Local Government Area. The violent incident reportedly claimed the lives of more than 30 individuals and left several others injured. The President arrived in the state to sympathize with victims and their families. However, instead of visiting the affected community or meeting victims receiving medical care, he delivered his remarks at Yakubu Gowon Airport in Heipang, which is situated a considerable distance—approximately 100 kilometers—from the scene of the attack. This decision has sparked widespread reactions among residents, many of whom felt the approach lacked compassion and direct engagement expected from a national leader during such a crisis. A number of citizens argued that the President should have gone directly to the affected area or visited injured victims in hospitals to personally assess the situation and offer comfort. The choice of addressing stakeholders at the airport rather than meeting those directly impacted has been interpreted by some as a missed opportunity to demonstrate empathy. Public reactions quickly spread across social media platforms, where several individuals voiced their disappointment and questioned the rationale behind the President’s actions. One resident, Kacholom Luka, questioned whether victims undergoing treatment were expected to be transported to the airport for the President’s attention, emphasizing that a hospital visit would have been more appropriate under the circumstances. Other commentators also shared strong opinions regarding the visit. Comrade Bright Gyang criticized what he described as a lack of sensitivity, expressing concern over leadership styles that appear disconnected from the struggles of ordinary citizens. Similarly, Joel Poret described the situation as deeply disappointing, suggesting that the visit could have been avoided entirely if it would not involve direct interaction with victims. He further noted that the gathering at the airport consisted mainly of political figures, traditional rulers, and party affiliates rather than those directly affected by the tragedy. Rhoda Daniel expressed frustration over what she perceived as a lack of compassion, adding that the expectations many had of the President were not met during the visit. Her remarks also reflected broader concerns about future political engagement in the region. Kefas Habila highlighted the importance of leadership presence during moments of crisis, stating that physical visits to affected communities often provide reassurance and emotional support to victims. He noted that such gestures can foster hope and a sense of solidarity among citizens. Joey Shekwonuzhibo pointed out the distance between the airport venue and the actual site of the attack, emphasizing the disconnect between the location of the address and the area where the tragedy occurred. Aaron Azi referenced previous instances of similar visits, arguing that there appears to be a pattern in which affected communities are not directly visited during times of crisis. He cited incidents in other states where violence occurred without corresponding on-site presidential visits. Other residents, including Ibrahim Yakubu and Emma Jando, echoed concerns about political leadership in Nigeria, suggesting that actions taken by leaders often prioritize optics over meaningful engagement with citizens during difficult times. Overall, the reaction from Plateau residents underscores a broader expectation for leaders to demonstrate empathy through direct interaction, especially in the aftermath of tragic events. Many believe that being physically present with victims and affected communities is a crucial aspect of effective and compassionate governance.
