Emmanuel Obi
In a decisive move to curb the escalating violence in Plateau State, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the installation of over 5,000 surveillance cameras in the state, with the aim of bolstering security and identifying perpetrators of violence. This directive follows the recent spate of killings in Jos, which claimed over 27 lives on Palm Sunday.
The President made this known during a town hall meeting with political and traditional leaders in Jos, where he also announced plans to set up a committee to assess losses suffered by victims and recommend compensation.
“No amount of money can compensate for the losses, but we will provide support,” he said.
The President’s directive is a clear indication of the government’s commitment to addressing the security challenges in the state.
“You must unearth and find the killers,” he told security chiefs, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, assured that the cameras would be powered by artificial intelligence and deployed across the state, starting with Jos, enabling real-time monitoring and faster response to security threats.
The President expressed sympathy with victims, including a woman who lost her son in the attack, saying,
“We cannot replace human beings, but we will provide minimum comfort.”
He also commended the efforts of security agencies and urged them to do more.
The committee to assess losses will be led by the governor and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, and will provide data analysis for victims. “Come see me, take numeric analysis, you are a data person for the victims,” the President said.
The Minister of Communications emphasized that the promise was not empty, citing similar solutions already operational in other Nigerian states, including Lagos and Enugu. “It works really well,” he said.
Dr. Tijani expressed personal anguish over the continued violence in Jos and vowed to support the cause, saying,
“It breaks my heart, personally, that this is still going on after so many years.”
