President Bola Tinubu has assured residents of Plateau State that the Federal Government will deploy an artificial intelligence-powered surveillance network of over 5,000 digital cameras to strengthen security and curb rising insecurity in the state.
The President gave the assurance on Thursday during his visit to Jos, where he commiserated with the state government and families of victims of the March 29 gun attacks in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North Local Government Area.
He vowed that such violence would not be allowed to recur, saying: “I promise you that this experience will not repeat itself.”
Tinubu directed the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd), the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Waidi Shaibu, and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to ensure the perpetrators are tracked down and brought to justice.
He also announced that the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani, would oversee the immediate deployment of the surveillance cameras in collaboration with the Plateau State Government and security agencies. The project is expected to begin in Jos before expanding across the state, building on similar deployments in other parts of the country.
Expressing sorrow over the killings, the President said he was deeply disturbed by footage of the attacks and extended condolences to bereaved families.
“No amount of money can recompense for lost souls,” he said, adding that the Federal Government would ensure justice and provide support to victims.
Tinubu also directed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Bernard Doro, to compile data on all affected persons to ensure equitable assistance.
Addressing stakeholders, the President stressed the need for proactive security measures and accountability, urging leaders to draw lessons from past crises.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, in his remarks, described the incident as a tragic setback to the relative peace previously enjoyed in the state, but expressed confidence in ongoing efforts by security agencies. He also thanked the President for approving the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to support security operations.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, commended the President’s intervention, expressing optimism that it would help restore peace and stability in Plateau.
Former Governor Jonah David Jang called for a special high-level meeting in Abuja involving key stakeholders to find lasting solutions, while noting that insecurity in the state had persisted across successive administrations.
Former Governor and ex-Speaker of the House of Assembly, Senator Simon Lalong, stressed that lasting peace must be driven by Plateau people themselves, calling for unity and frank discussions among stakeholders.
Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase, also highlighted ongoing security challenges and called for stronger coordination among security agencies, especially ahead of the farming season.
The Presidency reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace, protecting lives, and ensuring justice for victims of violence in Plateau State.
