President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to end the wave of deadly attacks in Plateau State, announcing a sweeping security overhaul that includes the deployment of more than 5,000 artificial intelligence-powered surveillance cameras.
The President made the announcement during a visit to Jos following the March 29 killings in Angwan Rukuba, where at least 29 people were killed, according to Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
Addressing grieving families, community leaders, and government officials at Yakubu Gowon Airport, Tinubu vowed that such violence would not be allowed to continue.
“I promise you that this experience will not repeat itself,” he said. “We will do everything possible to ensure that justice is served and that peace returns to the Plateau.”
The proposed surveillance system, already deployed in parts of Lagos and Enugu, will be coordinated by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani, in collaboration with security agencies and the Plateau State Government.
Tinubu said the rollout would begin immediately in Jos before expanding statewide, describing the initiative as a shift from reactive to preventive security.
“We are leveraging technology to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve response time and ultimately save lives. This is not just about reacting to crime; it is about preventing it,” he said.
The President also issued a direct order to top security officials, including Defence Chief Christopher Musa, the Chief of Army Staff Waidi Shaibu, and Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, to track down those responsible.
“You must unearth and find the killers. There must be no hiding place for those who take innocent lives,” he declared.
While acknowledging the pain of affected families, Tinubu stressed that no compensation could replace lost lives but assured that the federal government would provide support. He directed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Bernard Doro, to compile a database of victims to ensure fair distribution of aid.
Governor Mutfwang described the attack as a setback after a period of relative calm but expressed confidence that security forces would regain control. “We will win this war against insecurity,” he said, calling for increased deployments and commending federal support, including the planned recruitment of 1,000 forest guards.
Political and community leaders also urged long-term solutions. Former governor Jonah Jang called for a high-level stakeholders’ meeting, warning that violence spreading into urban areas required urgent attention.
Similarly, former governor Simon Lalong emphasised unity among residents, noting that security agencies alone could not restore peace. Former Deputy Speaker Ahmed Idris Wase highlighted the need for better coordination among security forces, especially as the farming season approaches.
Despite the grief, the visit has sparked cautious optimism among residents, as authorities promise both immediate intervention and long-term strategies to tackle the persistent insecurity in Plateau State.
