A socio-political group, the Middle Belt Peace Forum (MBPF), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visit to victims of recent attacks in Jos, describing the move as a demonstration of empathy and responsive leadership.

In a statement issued in Jos and signed by its National Coordinator, Pastor Bulus Garba, the Forum said the President’s decision to suspend a scheduled engagement in Iperu, Ogun State, to visit Plateau reflected a leadership style grounded in compassion and public accountability.

According to the group, the visit sent a strong signal of solidarity to affected communities and reinforced confidence in the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

The Forum, however, condemned the perpetrators of the attacks, describing them as “cowards” whose actions were aimed at instilling fear and destabilising peaceful communities.

It urged the Federal Government to respond with decisive action, stressing that such violence represents a direct threat to national unity and security.

The MBPF also praised the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, for what it described as sustained efforts to restore stability across troubled regions.

“The Armed Forces have continued to demonstrate resilience and professionalism in the face of complex security challenges,” the statement noted, adding that their role remains critical in reclaiming affected areas and safeguarding territorial integrity.

While commending the military, the Forum called for stronger synergy between security agencies, particularly urging the Nigeria Police Force to intensify efforts in stabilising areas cleared of criminal elements.

It emphasised that lasting peace requires a coordinated framework in which the military secures territories while the police maintain law and order, enabling displaced residents to return and rebuild their communities.

The group further appealed to citizens across the Middle Belt to support security agencies through timely intelligence sharing and community cooperation, describing public participation as essential to sustainable peace.

Meanwhile, the President’s visit has drawn mixed reactions, with some critics questioning its brevity and the decision to receive victims at the airport rather than within affected communities.

Responding to the concerns, the Presidency, through Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said logistical constraints influenced the format of the visit.

According to the Presidency, the absence of navigational aids at the Jos airport, which restricts night operations, made it impractical for the President to travel into the city and return before dusk.

Onanuga also noted that the President’s schedule included a high-level bilateral meeting with Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, which extended beyond expected timelines.

He said the decision to bring representatives of affected communities to the airport ensured that the President could engage with victims, listen to their concerns, and offer assurances without compromising safety and logistical requirements.

During the visit, Tinubu reportedly pledged renewed federal intervention, including plans to deploy advanced surveillance infrastructure and convene further stakeholder engagements aimed at addressing the root causes of recurring violence in Plateau State.

The MBPF expressed optimism that with sustained leadership, improved inter-agency coordination, and active citizen participation, lasting peace in the Middle Belt remains achievable.