"I Stand With You" — President Tinubu Assures Plateau People of Security Amid Recurring Killings

 

​In a move aimed at restoring hope and demonstrating executive empathy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a powerful message of solidarity to the people of Plateau State. On Thursday, April 2, 2026, the President broke his silence regarding the recent wave of violence in the North-Central state, most notably the tragic Palm Sunday Massacre in Jos.

​The President's assurance, "I stand with you," comes at a time of heightened tension and widespread public outcry from celebrities, activists, and citizens alike. This official communication is seen as a strategic attempt to bridge the perceived gap between the federal government and the mourning communities on the Plateau, while signaling a "zero-tolerance" approach to further bloodshed.

​A Message of Empathy: "The Pain of One is the Pain of All"

​President Tinubu’s address was characterized by a tone of deep mourning and national unity. Acknowledging the horrific nature of the attacks in Jos North and surrounding local government areas, the President emphasized that the lives lost were not just statistics, but "vibrant Nigerians whose dreams were cut short by the forces of darkness."

​"To the people of Plateau State, I say this: I stand with you in this hour of grief," the President stated. "The pain you feel is felt in the corridors of power. We are not just observing from afar; we are grieving with you, and more importantly, we are acting to ensure justice is served." This emotional appeal is designed to counter criticisms from figures like Mr Macaroni and Paul Okoye, who had previously accused the presidency of a lack of empathy.

​Directives to Security Chiefs: From Condolence to Combat

​Beyond words of comfort, the President used the occasion to issue stern directives to the nation’s security architecture. Following a high-level briefing with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who recently visited Jos, the President ordered an immediate escalation of "targeted operations" to flush out the perpetrators.

​The President’s security mandate includes:

• ​Identification and Neutralization: Armed forces have been tasked with identifying the hideouts of the "faceless elements" responsible for the Palm Sunday killings.
• ​Enhanced Border Surveillance: Tightening security around the boundaries of Plateau, Kaduna, and Bauchi states to prevent the cross-border movement of armed bandits.
• ​Non-Kinetic Engagement: Encouraging the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to deepen community-level dialogue to de-escalate communal frictions that often serve as a pretext for violence.

​Federal Support for Victims and Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs)

​Recognizing the humanitarian fallout of the attacks, President Tinubu announced that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has been mobilized to provide immediate relief to the affected communities. This includes the provision of food, medical supplies, and temporary shelter for those whose homes were destroyed during the incursions.

​The President also hinted at a "Restoration Fund" specifically for Plateau State, aimed at rebuilding schools, places of worship, and markets razed during the unrest. This move is intended to show that the federal government is committed to the long-term recovery of the state, not just immediate military intervention.

​Addressing the "Accountability Gap"

​In his statement, President Tinubu addressed the growing demand for accountability. He assured Nigerians that the era of "perpetrators remaining unknown" is coming to an end. He noted that the recent restructuring of the security leadership was specifically designed to ensure that field commanders are held directly responsible for the safety of their jurisdictions.

​"We are building a culture of accountability," Tinubu remarked. "The security of every Nigerian is the primary constitutional duty of this government, and we will not shy away from making the tough decisions necessary to uphold that oath."

​Political Solidarity: Working with Governor Caleb Mutfwang

​The President also praised the "resilience and leadership" of Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State. Despite belonging to different political parties, the President emphasized that "security has no political color."

​This bipartisan approach is crucial for Plateau, a state that has often been a flashpoint for political and ethnic tensions. By standing in solidarity with the state leadership, the President is attempting to project a united front against the common enemy of insurgency and banditry.

​The Role of the Citizenry: Vigilance and Unity

​Closing his address, President Tinubu called on the people of Plateau and Nigerians at large to remain vigilant and avoid the temptation of retaliatory violence. He urged citizens to cooperate with security agencies by providing "actionable intelligence," stressing that the war against insecurity can only be won with the active participation of the community.

​"Our strength lies in our unity," the President concluded. "Those who seek to divide us through violence will find that the Nigerian spirit is unbreakable. We shall overcome this season of darkness together."

​Conclusion: Will Assurances Translate to Lasting Peace?

​President Tinubu’s "I stand with you" declaration has provided a temporary sense of relief to a grieving nation. However, the true test of this assurance will lie in the coming weeks. Nigerians are looking for more than just solidarity; they are looking for a visible reduction in attacks and the successful prosecution of those responsible for the Jos massacre.

​As the military ramps up its presence on the Plateau and NEMA begins its distribution of relief, the eyes of the world remain on Nigeria. The President has set a high bar for his administration's response—one that must now be met with consistent action and measurable results.