President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday delivered a strong message of reassurance and resolve to the people of Plateau State: the wave of deadly attacks will end.
He ordered an aggressive security overhaul anchored on the deployment of over 5,000 artificial intelligence-enabled surveillance cameras across the state.
The AI-backed system is already in use in Lagos and Enugu states.
Standing before grieving residents, families of victims, traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, as well as government officials at the Yakubu Gowon airport venue in Jos, Tinubu reiterated that the March 29 killings in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, would not be repeated.
He promised decisive action against those responsible.
“I promise you that this experience will not repeat itself,” Tinubu said, his voice firm with determination.
“We will do everything possible to ensure that justice is served and that peace returns to the Plateau,” he added.
The President’s visit came amid heightened tension following the attack. The death toll was given as 29 by Governor Caleb Muftwang.
He said the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani, would coordinate the installation of the cameras in partnership with security agencies and the Plateau State Government.
Tinubu said: “The deployment will begin immediately in Jos and extend across the state.
“We are leveraging technology to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve response time and ultimately save lives.”
“This is not just about reacting to crime; it is about preventing it,” he added.
‘Unearth and find the killers’
Tinubu also issued a direct order to top security chiefs, charging them to bring the perpetrators to justice without delay.
Addressing the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd), the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Waidi Shaibu, and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, the President said: “You must unearth and find the killers. There must be no hiding place for those who take innocent lives.”
He commended the efforts of the armed forces and the police but stressed that more must be done to restore confidence among residents.
“I thank the men and women of our armed forces and the police for what they are doing and what they are about to do. Nigerians are counting on you,” he said.
Tinubu, who empathised with victims and their families, acknowledged the depth of grief caused by the attacks, stressing that no amount of compensation could replace lost lives.
He said: “It is only God that can give you joy and comfort,” he told bereaved families at a meeting held at the arrival lounge of Yakubu Gowon Airport.
“No amount of money can recompense for lost souls.”
He, however, assured that the Federal Government would provide meaningful support to ease their suffering.
“We will not abandon you. We will stand with you in this difficult time and ensure that those affected receive the support they deserve,” he said.
To ensure a coordinated response, the President directed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Bernard Doro, to compile a comprehensive database of victims and affected communities.
“We want to make sure that assistance reaches everyone equitably. No one should be left behind,” he said.
Beyond immediate security measures, Tinubu urged political, traditional and community leaders in Plateau to reflect on past crises and work collectively to prevent a recurrence.
“Why is the past not a source of lessons to us?” he asked.
“We must learn from our history and take proactive steps to secure our future.”
He reminded leaders of their shared responsibility to protect lives and foster unity.
Mutfwang: ‘We will win this war’
Mutfwang described the attack as a tragic interruption of a period of relative peace in the state, but expressed confidence that the situation would be brought under control.
He said: “This incident is a temporary setback. We had begun to witness a return of peace and renewed investor confidence before this unfortunate event.”
He commended security agencies for their efforts, noting that many attacks had been thwarted without public attention.
Mutfwang declared: “We will win this war against insecurity. We are determined, and with the support of the Federal Government, we will overcome.”
The governor appealed for more security deployments to consolidate ongoing efforts and prevent further breaches.
He also thanked the President for approving the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards, describing the initiative as a critical step in strengthening grassroots security.
Stakeholders push for lasting solution
Prominent leaders from the state called for deeper engagement and long-term strategies to address the root causes of the crisis.
Former governor Jonah Jang urged the President to convene a special meeting in Abuja involving key stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions.
Jang said: “I went through this, Joshua Dariye went through it, Simon Lalong went through it.
“The fact that the violence is now moving from rural areas into urban centres is a dimension we must urgently confront.”
He also warned against attempts by some elements to destabilise the political process.
“You are doing a fantastic job for the nation, Mr President, but some people want to sabotage it through violence,” he alleged.
Senator Simon Lalong, also a former governor, emphasised the need for unity among Plateau leaders and communities.
He said: “It is not security agencies alone that will bring peace. Plateau people must be ready to embrace peace and work together.”
He suggested a closed-door meeting with the President where stakeholders could speak frankly on the issues.
“The solution lies with us. If we come together sincerely, we can find a way forward,” he added.
Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase, highlighted the need for improved coordination between security agencies, particularly as the farming season approaches.
He said: “In Wase and Kanke alone, we lost over 14 people last week, including a captain of the Nigerian Army.
“There is a need for stronger collaboration, especially between air and ground forces.”
Renewed hope amid grief
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, thanked the President for his swift intervention, noting that the crisis had lingered for years.
He said: “Your visit has given hope to our people.
“We believe this will strengthen security efforts, stem the tide of attacks and bring comfort to grieving families.”
A highlight of the event was the emotional moment the President shared with families of some of the victims.
