The General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Major General E.F. Oyinlola, has called for stronger collaboration among traditional, religious, and community leaders to ensure a peaceful farming season in Plateau State.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement with representatives from Bokkos Local Government Area, General Oyinlola emphasized the role of security in economic progress, particularly in agrarian communities.
He noted that past engagements had helped reduce farmer-herder conflicts and urged stakeholders to consolidate on these gains.
“While we continue to collaborate with communities to provide timely and effective responses to security challenges, the cooperation of stakeholders is vital towards sustaining peace at the critical period of farming,” he stated.
He urged traditional and religious leaders to promote dialogue and peaceful coexistence while encouraging youths and women to actively contribute to securing Plateau State’s future.
Reaffirming OPSH’s commitment to protecting communities, he highlighted ongoing efforts to prevent attacks and respond swiftly to threats. However, he stressed that lasting peace requires collective responsibility.
“Over the months, OPSH has intensified efforts in securing communities, preventing attacks, and responding decisively to security threats.
” However, as we move towards another farming season, we must all recognize that security is a collective responsibility. No single security agency can achieve lasting peace without the cooperation and commitment of the people.
“Therefore, this engagement is to build upon these gains even as we prepare for the forthcoming farming season. We must be determined to consolidate on the gains made so far by ensuring that the forthcoming farming season is devoid of incidents that threaten the security of lives and property.
Also, the period should not be seen as an opportunity to avenge real or perceived grievances,” he cautioned.
Representing Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, the Special Adviser on Special Duties, Hon. Istifanus Mwansat, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to peacebuilding, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen the Plateau Peacebuilding Agency.
Dr. Julie Sanda, Director General of the Plateau Peacebuilding Agency, commended the stakeholder engagements for their role in resolving conflicts.
“Criminality resides in the heart of every criminal, regardless of their ethnic group or religion,” she stated, adding that tackling crimes such as kidnapping and motorbike theft in Bokkos requires direct engagement with affected communities.
In his goodwill message, Hon. Amalau Samuel Amalau, Executive Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area, expressed confidence in the OPSH commander’s leadership and commended security personnel for their professionalism in maintaining peace.
He emphasized the need for stricter law enforcement, particularly regarding illegal mining, illicit drink consumption, and motorcycle registration, urging local leaders to work closely with security officials to ensure community safety.
