UK’s Prince Charles, who is in Nigeria on the final leg of his West African tour, alongside his wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, has cancelled a planned trip to Jos, citing security concerns.

Prince Charles had earlier scheduled a trip to Jos on the final day of his royal tour of West Africa, to undertake engagements including a discussion about peace building and conflict resolution, but he would not be going based on the advice of the Foreign Office, reports UK Telegraph.

Telegraph quoted a spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as saying that the decision was made “upon advice from the Nigerian government and others involved in security and operational aspects of the visit”.

A source added there were no known specific threats to the Prince’s safety, with “additional security precautions relating to recent clashes”.

The Prince is understood to be disappointed he is unable to make the trip, which had been planned for some time.

Events arranged in Jos will now be moved to Abuja, to allow him to speak to people about their rural livelihoods and attend a service of commemoration.

He will also take part in an hour-long discussion about “peace-building and conflict resolution”.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said:  “Due to operational constraints beyond our control, we have decided at this time not to include Jos during Their Royal Highnesses visit to Nigeria.

“We are delighted to have an exciting programme of activity in Abuja and Lagos which will showcase those issues close to The Prince’s and The Duchess’s hearts.

“The decision was taken upon advice from the Nigerian Government and others involved in security and operational aspects of the visit.

“We’ve arranged an interesting and engaging programme on Thursday in Abuja, which will include showcasing alternative livelihoods focussing on poultry and Acha super grain, water aid and a peacebuilding discussion with youth peace ambassadors.”

The inability of Prince Charles to visit Jos may not be unconnected to the discovery of the body of retired Major General Idris Alkali, who was murdered in Plateau State, while on his way to Bauchi State.

His body was recovered on Friday and buried on Saturday. 19 suspects have so far been apprehended in relation to his murder. – Punch

– Nov. 6, 2018 @ 17:45 GMT |