President Bola Tinubu has directed the deployment of 5,000 artificial intelligence-powered cameras to help address insecurity in Plateau state.
The security measure follows Sunday’s attack, which left about 28 people dead and several others injured in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North LGA.
During a visit to Jos on Thursday, Tinubu expressed sympathy to the families of the victims, stating that no compensation can replace the lives lost.
In a statement issued after the visit, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said Tinubu instructed Christopher Musa, minister of defence, Waidi Shaibu, chief of army staff, and Olatunji Disu, inspector-general of police, to “unearth and find the killers” of innocent Nigerians.
Onanuga added that the president also directed Bosun Tijani, minister of communications and digital economy, to supervise the immediate installation of the surveillance cameras in collaboration with the Plateau state government and security agencies.
“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.
Reacting to the recent violence, Tinubu expressed concern over videos showing the attacks in Jos.
“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 assured that the government would take all necessary steps to ensure justice and support for the affected families. He also directed Bernard Doro, minister of humanitarian affairs, to gather detailed data on those impacted to ensure fair distribution of assistance.
Tinubu emphasised the importance of preventive action to stop future attacks.
“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.”
Responding, Caleb Mutfwang, governor of Plateau, said the state had experienced relative calm before the March 29 incident, describing it as a temporary setback.
He praised security agencies for their efforts and expressed confidence that their interventions would continue to improve security.
Nentawe Yilwatda, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said he hopes the president’s visit will strengthen security operations, reduce attacks, and provide relief to affected families.