Tinubu Holds Secret Talks With Plateau Leaders After Deadly Jos Attack as Security Crisis Deepens

President Bola Tinubu has met behind closed doors with key Plateau State stakeholders in Abuja, days after renewed tensions following the deadly Palm Sunday attack in Jos that left dozens dead and shook confidence in security across the state.

The high-level meeting took place at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday, with Governor Caleb Mutfwang leading the delegation. Discussions reportedly stretched for hours, though officials declined to disclose details of what was discussed.

Sources say the engagement is a continuation of consultations triggered by Tinubu’s recent visit to Plateau State after the Angwan Rukuba attack, which has become one of the most disturbing flashpoints in the region’s recent security history.

That attack, which occurred on March 29, saw armed men open fire at a busy junction in Jos, killing at least 28 people, including students and university staff, while more than 20 others sustained injuries. The violence sparked panic and triggered temporary shutdowns in parts of the state, including the University of Jos.

Following the incident, authorities moved quickly to evacuate the institution and deploy additional security personnel, as fears of reprisal attacks and wider unrest spread across surrounding communities.

During his earlier visit to Jos on April 2, President Tinubu met victims’ families, traditional rulers and state officials, promising stronger federal intervention and urging security agencies to hunt down those responsible for the killings.

As part of long-term measures discussed during that visit, the President also announced plans to install thousands of surveillance cameras nationwide to strengthen intelligence gathering and improve response to violent threats, assigning oversight of the project to the Ministry of Communications.

Governor Mutfwang, who has repeatedly described the situation as painful but recoverable, has continued to call for coordinated efforts between federal and state authorities to restore calm, even as residents across Plateau demand more visible and lasting protection.

Despite official assurances, insecurity concerns remain high, especially after reports that the death toll from the Jos North attack later climbed to 33 following fatalities recorded in hospital, intensifying public anger and calls for accountability.

The latest Abuja meeting is widely seen as part of renewed efforts to stabilise Plateau State and prevent further escalation in violence that has repeatedly disrupted lives, education, and economic activity in the region.