President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited Plateau State on Thursday following a series of deadly attacks that have left dozens dead and communities on edge. During the visit, he announced the deployment of more than 5,000 artificial intelligence-enabled surveillance cameras to enhance security across the state. The cameras are part of a broader security overhaul aimed at curbing the recurring violence between herders and farmers, which has plagued the region for years. Tinubu assured residents of the federal government's commitment to restoring peace, stating that the technology would improve real-time monitoring and response to threats. Security agencies have been directed to fast-track the installation, with initial coverage focused on flashpoints in Jos, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom. The president also pledged continued military and police reinforcements in the area.
Tinubu's promise of 5,000 AI cameras offers a high-tech answer to a crisis rooted in political neglect and communal mistrust. If the government cannot protect citizens with existing manpower, it is unclear how surveillance alone will stop armed attacks. Technology may record atrocities faster, but it does not prevent them. For Plateau residents, the real test is whether this move brings boots on the ground — not just more eyes in the sky.
