President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the installation of over 5,000 surveillance cameras across Plateau State as part of urgent measures to curb the wave of killings in Jos.
The directive was given on Thursday during a town hall meeting with political and traditional leaders in Jos, held days after the Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba that left over 27 people dead.
Addressing stakeholders, the President announced a technology-driven security response aimed at improving real-time monitoring and assisting law enforcement agencies in identifying perpetrators.
“The Honourable Minister for Communication is here to give you assurance that we are going to install immediately a network of cameras that will help the law enforcement agencies to identify the troublemakers instantly, over 5,000 of that,” Tinubu stated as he invited the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, to elaborate on the plan.
Tinubu acknowledged the devastating impact of the attacks, noting that while no compensation can replace lives lost, government intervention remains necessary to support affected families.
He also directed security agencies, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff, to intensify efforts to apprehend those behind the violence.
“I thank the men and women of the armed forces, particularly the police, for what they are doing and what they are about to do.
“You must unearth and find the killers. I’m glad IGP is here. I’m glad the Chief of Defence Staff is here too. I’m glad the Minister of Defence is here,” the President stated.
As part of broader relief measures, Tinubu announced plans to set up a committee to assess the extent of damages and recommend appropriate compensation for victims.
“Immediately we return to Abuja, the committee, as mentioned, will include the governor and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs. Come see me. Take numeric analysis. You are a data person for the victims.
“Let’s see what we can do for their losses. We cannot replace human beings, but whatever we can do to give them minimum comfort, we will,” Tinubu said.
During the visit, the President also sympathised with victims, including a woman identified as Rhoda, who lost her son in the attack, reiterating government’s commitment to supporting bereaved families.
Providing further details on the surveillance initiative, Tijani explained that the cameras would be powered by artificial intelligence and deployed across the state, beginning with Jos.
According to him, the system will enhance real-time surveillance and improve response times to security threats.
“We will work with the governor to ensure that we can deepen the digital infrastructure that we have.
“But on top of that, as well, we will have a network of artificial intelligence-enabled cameras all over the state, starting with Jos,” the minister stated.
He added that similar technology-driven security solutions are already operational in states such as Lagos and Enugu, where they have proven effective.
“We already have similar solutions in states like Lagos. I think the latest one in Nigeria is in Enugu. I’ve been there. It works really well.”
Expressing personal concern over the continued violence in Plateau State, Tijani said the ministry would fully support efforts to restore peace.
“It breaks my heart, personally, that this is still going on after so many years, and we will put everything under my ministry to support this cause,” he declared.
Plateau State has, over the years, experienced recurring episodes of violence, often linked to communal and ethnic tensions, prompting renewed calls for lasting solutions.
