President vows attacks “will not repeat” as fresh security measures follow deadly Palm Sunday massacre in Plateau State
By Dauda Pol | Jos, Nigeria – April 3, 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has moved to contain the escalating violence in Plateau State, ordering the deployment of 850 additional troops and the installation of over 5,000 surveillance cameras following the recent killings in Jos.
The intervention comes days after a deadly Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba that claimed at least 28 lives, sparking national outrage.
Tinubu Meets Victims, Promises End to Violence
During a visit to Jos on Thursday, President Tinubu met with victims’ families, government officials, traditional rulers, and security chiefs, assuring residents that the cycle of violence would be broken.
“This experience will not repeat itself,” the President declared, while acknowledging that no compensation could fully heal the loss suffered by affected families.
He consoled grieving relatives, including a mother who lost her son in the attack, pledging government support and immediate action.
850 Soldiers Deployed to Reinforce Security
In a parallel move, the Nigerian Army deployed over 850 additional troops to Plateau State to strengthen ongoing operations under Operation Enduring Peace.
The reinforcements, drawn from Abuja and Kaduna formations, have been tasked with restoring law and order, protecting lives and property, and stabilising affected communities.
5,000 AI Surveillance Cameras to Be Installed
As part of a broader security strategy, Tinubu announced the immediate deployment of more than 5,000 networked surveillance cameras across Plateau State.
The system, powered by artificial intelligence, is expected to enable real-time monitoring and help security agencies identify and apprehend perpetrators swiftly.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, confirmed that technical teams have been mobilised for immediate rollout, starting from Jos.
Security Chiefs Ordered to Arrest Perpetrators
The President directed top security officials, including the Inspector-General of Police and Chief of Defence Staff, to track down and prosecute those responsible for the killings.
“You must unearth and find the killers,” Tinubu charged, emphasizing accountability and swift justice.
Committee Set Up for Victims’ Compensation
Tinubu also approved the establishment of a committee to assess damages and provide compensation to victims.
The panel, to include the Plateau State Governor and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, will conduct a detailed evaluation of losses and recommend relief measures.
Stakeholders Demand Deeper Reforms
While commending federal intervention, local leaders called for more decisive and sustained action, including improved intelligence gathering, stronger community policing, and structural reforms such as state police.
Former Governor Jonah Jang warned that over 160 communities have been destroyed over time, with thousands still displaced due to recurring violence.
Criticism Trails Presidential Visit
However, the visit has drawn criticism from opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who described the President’s response as inadequate and disconnected from the realities on ground.
He argued that the visit fell short of the empathy and urgency required in the wake of the tragedy.
With fresh troop deployments and advanced surveillance plans underway, the Federal Government is under pressure to deliver tangible results and end the recurring bloodshed in Plateau State. For many residents, the true test will be whether these measures translate into lasting peace.
![Nigerian military prepares to cordon the area where a man was killed by suspected rebel fighters during an attack around the Polo area of Maiduguri, Nigeria, in 2019 [File: Afolabi Sotunde/Reuters]](https://a1news.com.ng/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Nigeria-military-on-patrol.webp)
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