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APC National Chairman Yilwatda condemns killings, calls for modern surveillance technology and intelligence-driven security operations.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured the people of Plateau State that the Federal Government will deploy an artificial intelligence-enabled network of over 5,000 digital cameras to help law enforcement agencies combat insecurity in the state.
The President gave the promise during his address on a condolence visit to Jos on Thursday. He commiserated with the government and people of the state over the March 29 gun attacks. The violence claimed innocent lives in the Angwan Rukuba district of Jos North Local Government Area.
“I promise you that this experience will not repeat itself,” President Tinubu said.
A Profound Demonstration of Responsive Leadership
Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who accompanied the President on the condolence visit, commended the President’s gesture as a profound demonstration of responsive leadership, empathy, and national solidarity at a time when the people of Plateau are grieving painful and unjust loss.
President Tinubu was received by the APC National Chairman, Plateau State Governor Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, former governors, political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, elders, women and youth representatives, and stakeholders from across all segments of society.
Yilwatda Condemns Killings, Calls for Modern Security Response
Speaking during the visit, Professor Yilwatda condemned the killings in the strongest and most unequivocal terms, describing the attack as inhuman, cowardly, reprehensible, and a direct assault on the peace, unity, and soul of Plateau State.
According to the APC National Chairman, the continued shedding of innocent blood in Plateau is not only unacceptable but a national tragedy that must no longer be treated with routine outrage and temporary responses.
In a statement signed by Abimbola Tooki, Special Adviser to the National Chairman on Media and Communications Strategy, Yilwatda stressed that the time has come for deliberate, coordinated, and result-oriented efforts by all relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure such acts never happen again.
Call for Community Vigilance
Professor Yilwatda called on community leaders across Plateau State to become more vigilant, and responsive. He emphasised the need to be more proactive in identifying and reporting suspicious movements and security threats within their domains. Yilwatda noted that recurring pattern of killings strongly suggests that many perpetrators are criminal elements living within or around communities. These criminals are exploiting local vulnerabilities, he stressed.
“These evil perpetrators must no longer be shielded by silence, fear, complicity, or communal indifference. They must be identified, exposed, apprehended, and made to face the full wrath of the law.”
Technology-Driven Security: AI Cameras, Drones, and Intelligence Systems
The APC National Chairman charged security agencies to urgently rethink and upgrade their security architecture and operational methods. He emphasized that security agencies cannot continue deploying outdated tactics against increasingly adaptive criminal networks.
Professor Yilwatda advocated for the deployment of modern surveillance and intelligence-driven technology, including:
- Artificial Intelligence-powered cameras
- Drones for aerial monitoring
- Advanced tracking systems
- Real-time intelligence gathering mechanisms
“The era demands smarter, faster, and more sophisticated security responses. The protection of lives and property must now be driven not only by manpower, but also by technology, intelligence, precision, and accountability.”
He stated clearly that Plateau cannot continue to mourn in cycles while enemies of peace roam freely. Criminals cannot repeatedly unleash terror on innocent citizens, he said.
Economic Implications of Insecurity
Professor Yilwatda drew attention to the grave economic implications of insecurity in Plateau State. He lamented that the state, richly blessed with breathtaking natural landscapes, vibrant tourism assets, and enormous economic potential, has continued to suffer avoidable setbacks due to persistent violence.
“No economy can thrive where fear reigns, no investment can flourish where blood is spilled, and no society can truly prosper where innocent citizens live under the shadow of insecurity.”
He warned that without adequate protection of lives and communities, the social and economic future of the state could be severely paralysed,. This will deprive the people, especially young people, of prosperity, stability, and hope.
A Whole-of-Society Approach
Professor Yilwatda called for a whole-of-society approach to ending the violence. He urged traditional institutions, religious leaders, political actors, youth groups, and women’s groups to work together in honesty and patriotism to restore peace and stability. Acccording to him, security operatives and community stakeholders must share a common goal at ensuring peace.
A Solemn Visit to Bereaved Families
As part of the visit, President Tinubu, accompanied by Yilwatda, Governor Mutfwang, former leaders, and other key stakeholders, paid a solemn and deeply emotional visit to the families of victims of the Angwan Rukuba attack.
The visit was a moving moment of compassion and national mourning. The President shared in their pain and offered words of comfort, reassurance, and solidarity.
A Signal of Federal Commitment
The APC notes that President Tinubu’s visit is not merely symbolic. It is a powerful signal that the Federal Government stands firmly with the people of Plateau State. Government remains committed to confronting violent attacks with renewed urgency and seriousness.
It is expected that the President will, in the days ahead, continue broader engagements with Plateau community leaders and critical stakeholders. The government expressed commitment toward evolving practical, inclusive, and lasting solutions for sustainable peace, justice, reconciliation, and security.
Lives of Plateau citizens are sacred and non-negotiable, the APC reiterated. Those who delight in sowing death, fear, and division among peaceful communities must be hunted down and brought to justice without delay, it added.
“The blood of innocent men, women, and children cries out for justice, and the nation must answer with resolve.”
