By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced plans by the Federal Government to deploy an artificial intelligence-enabled network of over 5,000 digital surveillance cameras across Plateau State as part of efforts to combat insecurity.
The President made the disclosure during a visit to Jos on Thursday, where he commiserated with victims and families affected by the March 29 attacks in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area.
He assured residents that decisive measures would be taken to prevent a recurrence of such violence.
“I promise you that this experience will not repeat itself,” Tinubu said, directing the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to track down and bring perpetrators to justice.
He disclosed that the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani, would oversee the immediate rollout of the AI-driven camera network, starting in Jos and expanding across the state in collaboration with the Plateau State Government and security agencies.
The initiative, he said, builds on similar systems already deployed in Lagos and Enugu States.
Expressing grief over the killings, the President acknowledged the pain of affected families, noting that no material compensation could replace lost lives, while pledging justice and government support for victims.
He also directed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Bernard Doro, to compile comprehensive data on affected persons to ensure equitable distribution of assistance.
Addressing stakeholders, Tinubu stressed the need for proactive strategies to curb recurring violence, urging leaders to draw lessons from past incidents and work collectively toward sustainable peace and development.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the recent attacks as a temporary setback, noting that the state had enjoyed relative peace prior to the incident.
He commended security agencies for their response and expressed confidence in ongoing interventions, while thanking the President for approving the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen local security architecture.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, appreciated the President’s visit, describing it as a demonstration of solidarity with the people of Plateau, and expressed optimism that the intervention would help curb further attacks.
Former governor Jonah David Jang called for a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja to find lasting solutions to the crisis, noting that violence in the state has evolved from rural communities into urban centres.
He was joined in the call by other leaders, including former governor Simon Lalong, who emphasised that sustainable peace would ultimately depend on the collective resolve of Plateau people.
Also speaking, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase, highlighted the need for enhanced coordination between air and ground security forces, especially as the farming season approaches, warning that unresolved security challenges could further disrupt livelihoods.
