President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate installation of 5,000 CCTV cameras across identified flashpoints in Plateau State as part of urgent measures to address the worsening security situation in the state.
The President gave the directive during an emergency visit to Plateau on Thursday, where he held a brief stakeholders’ meeting at the Yakubu Gowon Airport following the recent killings in Angwan Rukuba, Jos, where at least 28 persons were killed by unidentified gunmen.
Tinubu also approved the formation of a delegation of key stakeholders to engage in further deliberations on lasting solutions to the security challenges in the state. He condoled with families of the victims and directed that support be provided to cushion their losses.
Addressing stakeholders, the President stressed the need for unity and collective action to end 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 a recurrence of such incidents.
“We must break the shackles of violence, ignorance, poverty, and hopelessness together,” he said, while commending security agencies for their ongoing efforts and urging them to intensify operations to apprehend those responsible for the attacks.
Tinubu further revealed that upon his return to Abuja, the Federal Government would expand the stakeholder committee to include more leaders and officials, while also initiating data-driven support measures for victims’ families.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, in his remarks, described the President’s visit as timely and reassuring, noting that it demonstrated strong federal commitment to tackling insecurity in the state.
Mutfwang acknowledged the recent attack as a setback but expressed optimism that Plateau would overcome its security challenges and return to 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 include the deployment of artificial intelligence-enabled surveillance systems, starting with Jos. He noted that similar security infrastructure has been successfully implemented in other parts of the country.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Jacob Gyang Buba, commended the President for his visit and appealed for an opportunity for Plateau leaders to meet with him in Abuja to present 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 lauded 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.
