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By Lizzy Chirkpi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday ordered the immediate deployment of over 5,000 surveillance cameras across Plateau State, in response to the recurring violence in and around Jos.
The directive followed a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Jos, where the President met with political leaders, traditional rulers, and security chiefs after the deadly Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba that left more than 30 people dead and several others injured.
Speaking during the meeting, Tinubu said the installation of the cameras would strengthen intelligence gathering and improve the response of security agencies.
“We are going to immediately deploy a network of over 5,000 cameras to help law enforcement agencies identify troublemakers in real time,” the President stated.
He added that the initiative would be handled by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, directing the Minister, Bosun Tijani, to provide details on how the plan will be implemented and integrated into existing security systems.
Plateau State has for years witnessed cycles of violence, often linked to disputes over land, identity, and political interests. Jos, once known for its peaceful and diverse population, has experienced repeated clashes, with the latest attack in Angwan Rukuba occurring during Palm Sunday celebrations.
During his visit, the President also addressed families of the victims, expressing sympathy and assuring them of justice.
“No Nigerian should have to live in fear within their own community. I feel your pain, and I assure you that this government will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice,” he said.
“To the families who have lost loved ones, I extend my deepest sympathies. Your grief is our collective grief as a nation, and we will stand by you in this difficult time.”
He further directed security agencies to intensify operations across vulnerable communities, stressing that those behind the attacks must be identified and prosecuted.
The surveillance cameras are expected to be installed across major roads, flashpoints, and populated areas, with monitoring centres set up to support real-time tracking and response by security agencies.