President Bola Tinubu has directed the installation of 5,000 artificial intelligence-driven CCTV cameras as part of efforts to improve security in Plateau state.
The decision comes after Sunday’s attack in Angwan Rukuba, located in Jos north LGA, where about 28 people were killed and several others sustained injuries.
Tinubu announced the measure during his visit to Jos on Thursday. He met with families affected by the incident and expressed sympathy over their loss. He said no form of compensation can replace the lives lost.
A statement released after the visit by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said Tinubu instructed top security officials to “unearth and find the killers” of innocent Nigerians.
Those directed include Christopher Musa, minister of defence; Waidi Shaibu, chief of army staff; and Olatunji Disu, the inspector-general of police.
The statement added that Bosun Tijani, minister of communications and digital economy, will supervise the immediate rollout of the surveillance system. The project will be carried out in partnership 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.
Tinubu also reacted to videos from the scene of the attack, which he described as disturbing.
“It is only God that can give you joy and comfort,” Tinubu told families affected by the attacks during a meeting at the arrival lounge of Yakubu Gowon Airport.
“No amount of money can recompense for lost souls,” he added.
The president assured the victims that his administration will pursue justice and provide necessary support to those affected.
He directed Bernard Doro, minister of humanitarian affairs, to gather detailed data on victims to ensure fair distribution of relief materials.
Tinubu stressed the importance of preventing future incidents and called for reflection on past events.
“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 his remarks, Plateau governor Caleb Mutfwang said the state had enjoyed relative calm before the March 29 attack. He described the incident as a setback.
He commended security agencies for their response and expressed confidence that their efforts will improve safety.
Nentawe Yilwatda, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the president’s visit would strengthen security operations, reduce attacks, and bring relief to affected families.
