President Bola Tinubu has ordered the deployment of 5,000 AI-enabled cameras to curb insecurity in Plateau state.
The security intelligence action comes after an incident on Sunday that killed 28 persons and wounded numerous others in Angwan Rukuba, Jos north LGA of the state.
During his visit to Jos on Thursday, Tinubu expressed sympathy for the victims’ families, stating that no amount of money could compensate for their loss.
In a statement issued following the visit, Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, stated that Tinubu directed Christopher Musa, the minister of defence, Waidi Shaibu, the chief of army staff, and Olatunji Disu, the inspector-general of police (IGP), to “unearth and find the killers” of innocent Nigerians.
According to Onanuga, the president also stated that Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, will supervise the immediate installation of surveillance cameras in close collaboration with the Plateau state administration and security forces.
“The installation will start in Jos and expand across Plateau state, building on systems already successfully deployed in Lagos and Enugu states,” the statement reads.
Lamenting the pain caused by the latest violence, Tinubu expressed dismay at videos from Jos depicting the attacks.
“It is only God that can give you joy and comfort,” Tinubu told families affected by the attacks at a meeting held at the arrival lounge of Yakubu Gowon Airport.
“No amount of money can recompense for lost souls,” he added.
The president promised that the government will do all necessary to bring justice and solace for the grieving families.
He asked Bernard Doro, minister of humanitarian affairs, to gather extensive statistics on persons impacted by the violence in order to guarantee that government help was distributed fairly.
Tinubu emphasised the need for aggressive efforts to prevent such assaults.
“Why is the past not a source of lessons to us? I have listened to Jonah Jang, Wase, Lalong, Nentawe and Governor Mutfwang,” he said.
“Governor, you and I were elected on a promise of peace and security, not to comfort and create widows and widowers.
“We were elected to bring prosperity and inclusiveness as a government, to share hope and aspiration with everyone, and to lead our youth.
“I assure our youths who are represented here that I do not want to be here consoling and commiserating — I want to be here to establish peace.”
In response, Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang stated that the state had been relatively peaceful until the March 29 event, which he described as a temporary setback.
He praised security services’ efforts and expressed confidence that their initiatives will continue to improve security.
Nentawe Yilwatda, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed optimism that the president’s visit will boost security forces, halt the wave of assaults, and console bereaved relatives.
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