‘This experience will not repeat itself’, Tinubu assures Jos attack victims

Directs security agencies to track down those responsible for the killings

Orders installation of 5,000-camera surveillance network across Jos

President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, assured victims of the recent attack in Jos, Plateau State that such an incident will not happen again, pledging the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring peace and security.

Tinubu gave the assurance during a stakeholders’ meeting in Jos, following the deadly attack on Palm Sunday in Angwan Rukuba, where 28 people were killed by unidentified gunmen.

Addressing political leaders and affected residents, the President expressed sympathy while promising stronger efforts to prevent a recurrence.

“There is nothing I can give you, whether money in billions, but console you and I promise you that this experience will not repeat itself.

“I know the pain… the pain and agony in your heart. But it’s only God who can give you joy and comfort. No amount of money can pay all of you back,” the president said.

Tinubu said the government would do its best to support affected families while working to ensure justice.

“Yes, as government, we will try our best to comfort you, to work with you. The best solution is for justice to be done,” he added.

Following the engagements, the president announced immediate measures aimed at strengthening security and preventing further attacks across the state.

He directed the Minister of Communications, Bosun Tijani, to commence installation of a 5,000-camera surveillance network across Jos.

Tinubu said the surveillance system would enable security agencies to identify and track criminal elements in real time and enhance rapid response capabilities.

The president also ordered security forces to intensify operations and ensure perpetrators of the recent killings are identified and brought to justice.

 “You must unearth and find the killers,” he said, commending the efforts of the police and the military.

He directed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Bernard Doro, to conduct a comprehensive assessment of victims and losses to enable prompt support and relief interventions.

Tinubu further ordered the expansion of the state’s peace and security committee to include more stakeholders, advocating inclusiveness in resolving communal tensions.

The president used the symbolism of his “broken shackle” cap to underscore his resolve to end cycles of violence, poverty, and ignorance fueling insecurity.

He urged local leaders to shun divisive tendencies and return to the progressive path that once made Jos a thriving political and social hub.

”Why is the past not a source of lessons to us? I have listened to Jonah Jang, Wase, Lalong, Nentawe and Governor Mutfwang.

“Governor, you and I were elected on a promise of peace and security, not to comfort and create widows and widowers.

“We were elected to bring prosperity and inclusiveness as a government, to share hope and aspiration with everyone, and to lead our youth.

”I assure our youths who are represented here that  I do not want to be here consoling and commiserating — I want to be here to establish peace,” Tinubu said.

Earlier, Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau called for collective action to tackle insecurity across the state.

Mutfwang  noted that the crisis had persisted across successive administrations since 1999, requiring sustained and coordinated responses from all stakeholders.

He however stressed that the state had enjoyed relative peace before the unfortunate incident of March 29, describing it as a temporary setback.

Also speaking, the traditional rulers, led by the Gbong Gwom Jos, Buba Gyang, called for a broader stakeholders’ meeting with the President in Abuja.

Former governors, including Jonah Jang and Simon Lalong, also advocated a comprehensive approach to resolving the crisis.

The National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and other political leaders expressed optimism that sustained dialogue and security reforms would end the violence.