President Bola Tinubu announced the deployment of over 5,000 AI-enabled cameras to combat insecurity in Plateau State during a visit to Jos on Thursday. He made the promise while addressing the March 29 gun attacks in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, which killed innocent citizens. Tinubu directed Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd), Chief of Army Staff Gen. Waidi Shaibu, and Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu to identify and apprehend those responsible. The President also tasked Minister of Communication and Digital Economy Bosun Tijjani with coordinating the immediate installation of the cameras, starting in Jos and expanding across the state, building on existing systems in Lagos and Enugu.
Tinubu expressed sorrow over videos depicting the violence, telling affected families at Yakubu Gowon Airport that only divine comfort could ease their pain. He pledged justice and support for bereaved families, directing Humanitarian Affairs Minister Bernard Doro to compile data on victims to ensure equitable assistance. Addressing stakeholders, Tinubu questioned why past violence had not led to preventive measures, urging leaders to prioritize peace and prosperity. He assured youths that his administration aimed to establish stability rather than offer condolences.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang acknowledged the March 29 attacks as a temporary setback, praising security agencies' efforts and expressing confidence in their continued work. He thanked Tinubu for approving 1,000 additional forest guards to bolster state security, vowing that the state would overcome its insecurity challenges.
Tinubu's vow to deploy 5,000 cameras reads like a Band-Aid on a bullet wound. The President's demand to "unearth and find the killers" sounds hollow when similar directives have been issued after past massacres with no visible results. If the cameras had worked in Lagos or Enugu, Plateau wouldn't need them now.
