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By Shedrach James
In moments of national tragedy, leadership is not measured merely by statements issued from afar but by presence, empathy and decisive action. The recent visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to Jos in the aftermath of the Palm Sunday killings in Plateau State stands as a compelling demonstration of pragmatic and compassionate leadership at a time when Nigeria urgently needs both.
The attack in Angwan Rukuba, which claimed 28 lives and left many others injured, was yet another painful chapter in Nigeria’s protracted security challenges. It sent shockwaves across the country, reigniting fears, anger and grief. Yet, in the midst of this anguish, the President chose not to remain distant. Instead, he went to Jos, not just as Commander-in-Chief, but as a leader willing to share in the sorrow of his people.
His words in Jos were simple, yet powerful: “This will not repeat itself.” In that assurance lies not only a promise but a burden of responsibility—one that reflects the seriousness with which his administration is approaching the security question.
Leadership in crisis situations often reveals the true character of those in power. President Tinubu’s visit was not a symbolic gesture; it was a deliberate act of engagement. By meeting directly with victims, community leaders, and stakeholders, he demonstrated an understanding that governance must be human-centered.
In acknowledging that “no amount of money can bring back the dead,” the President struck a deeply empathetic chord. It was a recognition that beyond statistics and security briefings are real lives, families shattered, and communities scarred. Yet, he did not stop at empathy. He coupled compassion with commitment, pledging federal support for victims and vowing to ensure justice.
This dual approach, empathy backed by action, is the hallmark of pragmatic leadership.
Perhaps the most critical aspect of the President’s visit was his unequivocal directive to security agencies. His declaration, “We will find the killers”, was not mere rhetoric. It was reinforced by the visible presence of top security officials, including the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Army Staff, already deployed on ground.
This signals a shift from reactive responses to proactive enforcement. The President’s emphasis on strengthening surveillance, including the installation of security cameras, reflects a modern, intelligence-driven approach to policing. In a country where security challenges are often compounded by weak intelligence systems, this represents a significant policy direction.
Moreover, it underscores an understanding that security is no longer just about boots on the ground but also about technology, coordination, and rapid response mechanisms.
Critics often underestimate the role of compassion in governance, viewing it as secondary to policy. However, in deeply divided and traumatised societies, compassion becomes a powerful tool for healing and unity.
President Tinubu’s engagement with grieving communities in Plateau State sends a strong message: the government is not detached from the suffering of its people. This is particularly important in regions like Plateau, where historical grievances and cycles of violence have created deep mistrust between communities and authorities.
By physically showing up, listening, and speaking directly to the people, the President bridges that gap, if only incrementally. It is a reminder that governance must not only be effective but also humane.
The situation in Plateau State is not new. As rightly pointed out by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the recent attack represents a setback in what had been a period of relative calm. The resurgence of violence, particularly in urban areas, is deeply troubling.
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Former governors such as Simon Lalong and Jonah Jang have also emphasised the need for dialogue and collective responsibility. Their perspectives highlight an important truth: security challenges in Plateau, and indeed across Nigeria, are not solely military problems. They are rooted in complex socio-political, ethnic, and economic dynamics.
President Tinubu’s openness to deeper engagement, as suggested by stakeholders, will be crucial. His visit should therefore be seen not as an endpoint, but as the beginning of a more sustained intervention that combines security operations with dialogue and reconciliation.
In a nation grappling with multiple security flashpoints, from insurgency in the Northeast to banditry in the Northwest, public confidence in the ability of the government to protect lives has been strained. It is within this context that the President’s assurance carries weight.
“This will not repeat itself” is not just a promise to Plateau; it is a statement to the entire nation. It reflects a determination to confront insecurity head-on, even as the challenges remain formidable.
But assurances alone are not enough. What matters is the consistency of action that follows. The deployment of security forces, the pursuit of perpetrators, and the implementation of preventive measures will ultimately determine the credibility of that promise.
President Tinubu’s approach in Jos is consistent with a broader leadership philosophy that combines pragmatism with responsiveness. Throughout his political career, he has often been described as a leader willing to take difficult decisions while remaining attuned to the needs of the people.
In the context of national security, this means recognising that while force is necessary, it must be complemented by trust-building, community engagement, and long-term structural reforms.
His willingness to confront the crisis directly, rather than delegating it entirely to subordinates, reflects an understanding that leadership cannot be outsourced in moments of national pain.
In times of crisis, nations look to their leaders not just for solutions, but for reassurance and hope. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Jos provided both. It was a moment of shared grief, but also of renewed commitment.
By combining empathy with decisive action, the President has set a tone that leadership must be present, responsive, and accountable. His assurances to the people of Plateau State are a step toward restoring confidence, even as the journey toward lasting peace continues.
Ultimately, the true measure of this moment will lie in what follows. But for now, in the hills of Jos, a message has been sent, one of resolve, compassion and the enduring responsibility of leadership in the face of tragedy.
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•James, writes from Abuja
