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President Bola Tinubu has ordered the deployment of 5,000 artificial intelligence-enabled cameras to help combat insecurity in Plateau state.
The security intelligence move follows Sunday’s attack, which left about 28 people dead and several others injured in Angwan Rukuba, Jos north LGA of the state.
Speaking during his visit to Jos on Thursday, Tinubu sympathised with the victims’ families, saying no amount of compensation can make up for their loss.
In a statement issued after the visit, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said Tinubu directed Christopher Musa, minister of defence, Waidi Shaibu, the chief of army staff and Olatunji Disu, the inspector-general of police (IGP), to “unearth and find the killers” of innocent Nigerians.
According to Onanuga, the president also said Bosun Tijani, minister of communications and digital economy, will oversee the immediate installation of the security cameras in close coordination 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.
Lamenting the pain caused by the latest violence, Tinubu expressed dismay at videos from Jos depicting the attacks.
“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 pledged that the government would do everything possible to ensure justice is served and to provide comfort for the bereaved families.
He directed Bernard Doro, minister of humanitarian affairs, to compile comprehensive data on those affected by the violence to ensure equitable distribution of government assistance.
Tinubu noted the need for proactive measures to prevent 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 enjoyed relative peace before the March 29 incident, describing it as a temporary setback.
He commended security agencies for their efforts and expressed confidence that their interventions will continue to strengthen security.
Nentawe Yilwatda, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed hope that the president’s visit would strengthen security agencies, stem the tide of attacks, and provide comfort to bereaved families.
