President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has apologised to residents of Plateau State for not visiting communities affected by violence during his previous visit to the state, saying he witnessed the devastation and the suffering of victims.
The President also assured displaced residents that the federal government would rebuild their communities and facilitate their return to their ancestral homes.
Tinubu gave the assurance on Saturday at the APC presidential campaign rally in Jos, Plateau State, where he commended Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for promoting peace and stability in the state.
Recalling his previous visit to Plateau, the President acknowledged that he was unable to visit communities affected by violence, explaining that his movement had been restricted to the airport.
“When I last visited, the other time, I was limited to the airport. Forgive me if you didn’t see me in town.
“I saw the devastation, I got the report from the Governor. I saw horror in faces of our people,” he said.
Tinubu, however, said the situation had changed, expressing optimism that the state could now move towards reconstruction and reconciliation.
“Also, then that has changed. We are forging together. It is now that we can rebuild, and I assure those displaced that we will rebuild your communities. We will rebuild your communities. We will bring you back to your community,” he said.
The President extended his condolences to families who lost loved ones, residents whose houses were destroyed and survivors who had been displaced by the violence.
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He prayed that God would console bereaved families and comfort those who had suffered losses, stressing that the people of Plateau must embrace unity and peaceful coexistence.
Tinubu said differences in language, culture and ways of life should not make Nigerians enemies, describing the people of the country as one family created by the same God.
“We are one single family created by the same God Almighty. We are just living in different rooms, speaking different languages, and behaving any way we want.
“But living in different rooms and speaking different languages does not make us enemies of one another.
“We have to live together. We have to farm together. We have to build this Plateau and this country together,” he said.
He urged residents to put aside their differences and work together, insisting that peaceful coexistence must be built on patience, fairness and mutual respect.
The President also commended Mutfwang for the relative peace and stability being experienced in the state, noting that no government could flourish amid persistent crises.
“When last I came here, it was a disaster. Unfortunately, it was crisis after crisis. I must commend the Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, for the peace and stability that he is creating.
“No government flourishes in the midst of crisis,” he said.
