By: Sunday Ameh
Some residents of Plateau State have criticised President Bola Tinubu over his handling of Thursday’s condolence visit following the deadly Palm Sunday attack in Gari Yawaye, Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, where more than 30 persons were killed and several others injured.
The residents faulted the President for addressing stakeholders at the Yakubu Gowon Airport in Heipang rather than visiting the affected community or victims receiving treatment in hospitals.
Tinubu, who visited the state in the wake of the attack, held a meeting with political, traditional and religious leaders at the airport, located a considerable distance from the scene of the violence, before departing the state.
The development sparked outrage among residents, many of whom took to social media to express disappointment, describing the move as lacking empathy and failing to meet expectations of leadership during a period of grief.
A Facebook user, Kacholom Luka, questioned the decision, asking why the President did not visit victims in hospitals.
“Are the injured victims of the attack, currently receiving treatment in the hospital, being transported there for your viewing? Should you not be visiting the victims in the hospital?” he wrote.
Other residents also expressed frustration, accusing the President of insensitivity and detachment from the plight of affected communities.
Comrade Bright Gyang described the development as disheartening, while Joel Poret criticised what he termed a lack of compassion in the President’s approach to the visit.
Similarly, Rhoda Daniel said the gesture fell short of expectations, warning that such actions could influence public perception ahead of future elections.
Kefas Habila noted that the presence of leaders at crisis points often provides emotional support to victims, adding that addressing stakeholders from a distance weakened that impact.
Some residents also drew comparisons with previous incidents in other states, alleging a pattern in the President’s response to crises.
Despite the criticism, the Presidency has yet to issue a detailed response to the concerns raised by residents regarding the nature of the visit.
The incident has further fueled discussions on leadership responsiveness, empathy, and the expectations of citizens during times of national tragedy.
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