President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate installation of 5,000 CCTV cameras across identified security hotspots in Plateau State as part of urgent measures to tackle the worsening security situation.
The directive was issued during an emergency visit to Plateau on Thursday, where the President met with stakeholders at Yakubu Gowon Airport following the recent killings in Angwan Rukuba, Jos, in which at least 28 people were reportedly killed by unidentified gunmen.
During the visit, Tinubu approved the formation of a delegation of key stakeholders to engage in further discussions aimed at finding lasting solutions to the state’s security challenges.
He also extended condolences to the families of the victims and directed that support be provided to help cushion their losses.
Addressing stakeholders, the President emphasised the need for unity and collective action to break the cycle of violence, noting that “no amount of financial compensation can replace lost lives.”
He assured residents of the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring peace and preventing similar incidents.“We must break the shackles of violence, ignorance, poverty, and hopelessness together,” Tinubu said.
He also commended security agencies for their ongoing efforts and urged them to intensify operations to apprehend those responsible for the attacks.
The President further revealed that upon his return to Abuja, the Federal Government would expand the stakeholder committee to include additional leaders and officials and implement data-driven support measures for victims’ families.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang described the President’s visit as timely and reassuring, noting that it demonstrated strong federal commitment to addressing insecurity in the state.
Acknowledging the recent attack as a setback, Mutfwang expressed optimism that Plateau would overcome its security challenges and regain its status as the “Home of Peace and Tourism.”
He highlighted ongoing efforts by security agencies and the state government to stabilize the situation and restore investor confidence.
The Governor also appealed for continued federal support, including approval for further engagements in Abuja to develop long-term strategies for peace and security.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani disclosed that the CCTV project would deploy artificial intelligence-enabled surveillance systems, beginning with Jos.
He added that similar security infrastructure has been successfully implemented in other parts of Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, Gbong Gwom Jos, Jacob Gyang Buba, commended the President for his visit and requested an opportunity for Plateau leaders to meet with him in Abuja to provide a comprehensive briefing on the state’s security challenges.
Other prominent leaders, including APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, former Governor Jonah Jang, Senator Simon Lalong, and Hon. Idris Wase, also praised the President’s intervention and called for sustained dialogue and coordinated efforts to address the protracted insecurity that has affected Plateau State for nearly three decades.
