By Jane Okafor, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced plans by the Federal Government to deploy an artificial intelligence-enabled network of over 5,000 digital cameras across Plateau State, as part of efforts to tackle rising insecurity.
The President made the disclosure on Thursday during a condolence visit to Jos following the March 29 attacks in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North Local Government Area, which claimed several lives.
“I promise you that this experience will not repeat itself,” Tinubu said, assuring residents of renewed federal commitment to security.
He directed the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), the Chief of Army Staff, General Waidi Shaibu, and the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to “unearth and find the killers” responsible for the attacks.
Tinubu added that the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani, would oversee the immediate rollout of the surveillance system in collaboration with Plateau State authorities and security agencies.
The initiative will begin in Jos before expanding statewide, building on similar deployments in Lagos and Enugu.
Expressing grief over the incident, the President sympathised with victims’ families, noting that no compensation could replace lost lives. “No amount of money can recompense for lost souls,” he said. “It is only God that can give you joy and comfort.”
Plateau State
He also directed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Bernard Doro, to compile data on affected persons to ensure equitable distribution of relief support.
Addressing stakeholders, Tinubu stressed the urgency of preventive action, warning against recurring cycles of violence. “Why is the past not a source of lessons to us?” he asked.
In a pointed remark to political leaders, the President 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.”
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, described the attack as a temporary setback, noting that the state had enjoyed relative peace prior to the incident.
“We will win this war against insecurity,” Mutfwang said, while commending security agencies and thanking the President for approving the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen local security architecture.
Also speaking, APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, expressed optimism that Tinubu’s visit would bolster security efforts and provide relief to affected communities.
Former governor, Jonah David Jang, called for a high-level meeting in Abuja involving key stakeholders to chart a lasting solution to the crisis. He warned that the spread of violence into urban centres marks a dangerous escalation.
“We do not want to see this dimension,” Jang said, adding that some actors may be attempting to undermine national stability.
Another former governor, Simon Lalong, emphasised the need for community-driven peacebuilding. “It is not security agencies that will bring peace — Plateau people will bring peace,” he stated, advocating a closed-door dialogue with local leaders.
Similarly, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase, called for stronger coordination between air and ground forces, especially as the farming season approaches.
“In Wase and Kanke alone, last week we lost over 14 people, including a captain of the Nigerian Army,” he said.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to ensure justice for victims and restore lasting peace in Plateau, stressing that security and unity remain central to his government’s mandate.
