President Bola Tinubu has significantly altered his presidential itinerary, postponing a planned trip to Iperu, Ogun State, to instead travel to Jos, the capital of Plateau State. This decision comes in the wake of recent devastating gun attacks in Plateau State that claimed the lives of numerous innocent citizens. The President's initial plan was to flag off operations at the Gateway International Cargo Airport in Ogun, but he will now prioritize commiserating with the government and people of Plateau over the tragic events, as confirmed by Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser on Strategy and Information, on Wednesday evening.

The recent violence unfolded on Sunday, March 29, when gunmen, suspected to be bandits, attacked a popular bar in the Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area. Eyewitnesses reported at least 28 fatalities and several injuries as assailants opened fire indiscriminately around 7:30-8:00 pm. The incident triggered widespread panic and outrage, prompting the Plateau State government to impose a 48-hour curfew in the affected LGA to de-escalate tensions.

In response to the heightened security concerns, the management of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), located near the affected community, ordered the immediate evacuation of students from their hostels. Deputy Registrar Emmanuel Madugu announced on Wednesday that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya, directed the evacuation due to the "general security situation" and "near-chaotic scenarios" unfolding close to the university. The university had earlier suspended all examinations for the week and postponed its 120th inaugural lecture, rescheduling them until after the Easter celebration. UNIJOS also confirmed that two students, Patrick Ishaya (300 level Geography and Planning) and Abel Joro Gershon (300 level Building), and a staff member, Duguryil Ufialas Daniel (a hall officer), were among the survivors of the attack. Vice-Chancellor Tanko Ishaya visited the injured at UNIJOS Teaching Hospital, expressing gratitude for their prompt treatment.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang visited President Tinubu in Abuja on Wednesday to discuss the security crisis. Governor Mutfwang "strongly condemned" the attack, describing it as "barbaric and unprovoked" and an "act of terrorism." He assured that security operatives had brought the situation under control, despite some initial disruptions by looters after the curfew was relaxed. Mutfwang emphasized a decisive turning point, promising more proactive actions, but noted that the attackers' identities and motives remain unknown.

President Tinubu's revised schedule includes flying to Jos on Thursday to engage with affected communities. Following this, he will travel to Lagos to observe Good Friday. His trip to Ogun State will now proceed on Saturday, April 4, for the commissioning of the Gateway International Cargo Airport and the inauguration of two commercial aircraft for import and export operations. Additionally, he is expected to inaugurate the new building of the Federal Operations Unit of the Nigerian Customs Service and its operational vehicles. He will return to Lagos for the remainder of the Easter holiday, where he is also slated to commission various infrastructure projects by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, including the iconic Ojota/Opebi Link Bridge and a multi-agency complex. Before returning to Abuja, President Tinubu is scheduled to visit Bayelsa State on April 10 to commission projects completed by Governor Duoye Diri.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, also condemned the attack, deploying Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Umar Shehu Nadada, to Plateau State to assess and strengthen security. Additional tactical teams, Police Mobile Force units, and intelligence operatives have been deployed, with a directive for increased visible policing and community engagement until normalcy returns. The IGP urged the public to remain calm, vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and report suspicious activities.

Amidst the violence, stories of interfaith harmony emerged. Sa’idu Murtala, a Muslim garden egg seller, recounted being saved by a Christian man who sheltered him during the Angwan Rukuba attack. This act of kindness reinforced Murtala’s belief in peaceful coexistence. The incident echoed a similar event in 2018 when Abdullahi Abubakar, a Muslim cleric, sheltered 300 Christians during attacks in Barkin Ladi, an act that earned him national and international recognition for his bravery and commitment to peace.