The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander, Operation SAFE HAVEN, Maj.-Gen. Folusho Oyinlola, has called for peaceful co-existence among communities in Plateau State.
Oyinlola made the call during a series of peace-building engagements with stakeholders and community leaders across conflict-prone areas of the state.
The meetings, held on Wednesday in Bassa, Mangu and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas, were part of efforts to promote dialogue and address lingering security challenges in the region.
Speaking during an interaction with traditional leaders from the Irigwe Chiefdom, the GOC expressed concern over the recent violence in Kwall District of Bassa, which claimed lives and disrupted peace.
He appealed for calm and urged community members to allow security agencies carry out investigations and bring perpetrators to justice.
“We must resist the urge for reprisal. Dialogue remains our most potent tool for achieving lasting peace,” he said.
Responding, the Mbrra Ngwe and Chairman, Bassa Traditional Council, Rev. Ronku Aka (rtd), commended the visit and assured continued cooperation with security forces to maintain peace.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Bassa LGA, Dr. Joshua Riti, reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to working with security agencies to resolve the crisis.
In Mangu LGA, Oyinlola held talks with representatives of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), where issues such as cattle rustling, destruction of property, and loss of livestock were discussed.
The GOC assured the group that security forces were pursuing those behind recent attacks, and encouraged restraint.
“We are committed to justice for all. Violence only begets more violence. Let us choose peace,” he said.
The MACBAN Chairman in Plateau State, Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim, welcomed the GOC’s assurance of impartiality and called for fairness in the handling of security matters.
In Barkin Ladi, Oyinlola met with local stakeholders and security personnel, where he commended efforts to keep the area stable despite threats from neighbouring communities.
He also extended condolences to MACBAN over the recent killing of their local chairman, describing him as a key figure in peace-building.
Stakeholders raised issues including illegal settlements, destruction of farmlands, and underage grazing, which continue to fuel tensions.
Oyinlola directed sector commanders to address the concerns raised, promising continued support for initiatives aimed at restoring order.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Operation SAFE HAVEN to protecting all communities and building trust across ethnic and religious divides.
