President Tinubu Announces Sweeping Security Measures for Plateau State
President Bola Tinubu has unveiled a comprehensive security overhaul for Plateau State, including the deployment of over 5,000 artificial intelligence-enabled surveillance cameras, in response to the recent deadly attacks in Jos. The announcement was made on Thursday, April 2, during his visit to the state, where he expressed sympathy for residents affected by the March 29 killings in Angwan Rukuba, located in Jos North Local Government Area.
Digital Surveillance Initiative to Enhance Security
President Tinubu revealed that the federal government will immediately begin installing a network of advanced security cameras across Plateau State, starting with Jos. He stated that the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani, will supervise the rollout in collaboration with state authorities and security agencies. This initiative builds on similar systems already operational in Lagos and Enugu states, aimed at strengthening intelligence gathering and rapid response capabilities to prevent future incidents.
Security Chiefs Directed to Pursue Justice
In a decisive move, President Tinubu directed the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd), the Chief of Army Staff, General Waidi Shaibu, and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to ensure that those responsible for the killings are brought to justice. He instructed them to "unearth and find the killers" behind the attack, signalling a tougher stance on insecurity in the region and vowing that such experiences would not recur.
Condolences and Calls for Reflection
Expressing deep grief over the incident, President Tinubu noted that the loss of lives had caused profound pain, particularly after viewing disturbing footage from the affected communities. He told bereaved families during a meeting at Yakubu Gowon Airport that only God could provide comfort, emphasizing that no amount of money could recompense for lost souls. He also stressed the need for reflection and preventive action, questioning why the past has not served as a lesson to prevent such tragedies.
Governor Mutfwang Expresses Confidence and Gratitude
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the incident as a setback, noting that the state had previously enjoyed relative calm. He affirmed, "We will win this war against insecurity," while commending security agencies for their ongoing efforts. Governor Mutfwang also thanked President Tinubu for approving the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to support local security operations, highlighting the importance of bolstering community-based initiatives.
Stakeholders Advocate for Collaborative Solutions
Prominent political figures from Plateau State called for deeper collaboration and dialogue to address the recurring crisis. Former governor Jonah Jang warned that the spread of violence into urban centres is a troubling development that must be curtailed. Similarly, former governor Simon Lalong stressed the importance of local solutions, asserting that Plateau people themselves will bring peace, and advocated for a closed-door meeting with stakeholders in Abuja to foster lasting resolutions.
Criticism and Broader Context
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the handling of President Tinubu's visit to Plateau State, alleging that the trip did not extend beyond the airport and failed to reach affected communities, describing it as inadequate. This criticism underscores the ongoing political tensions and public scrutiny surrounding the government's response to security challenges in the region.
