The Commander of Operation Safe Haven and General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, convened a crucial meeting with key stakeholders in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State.
The meeting was held to devise strategies for de-escalation in response to a recent security breach that has heightened tensions in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, the Media Information Officer for Operation Safe Haven, on Tuesday, May 6th, 2025.
The engagement, Major Zhakom further explained, aimed to find collaborative solutions to the growing security concerns in the area.
During his address to the stakeholders, Major General Oyinlola commended the residents of Barkin Ladi for their past cooperation with security agencies and their commitment to peaceful coexistence.
He emphasised the critical need to prevent Barkin Ladi from descending into conflict by strengthening early warning systems to ensure swift responses and actions.
“Barkin Ladi must not be allowed to slide into unavoidable conflict by strengthening the early warning mechanism for prompt response and action,” he stated.
The Commander assured that security agencies are intensifying their operations to counter the activities of criminal elements and bring them to justice.
He urged stakeholders to prioritise dialogue over the use of arms in resolving long-standing disputes and called on the community to provide timely information to security agencies to enhance early response efforts and prevent the breakdown of law and order.
Furthermore, Major General Oyinlola tasked the LGA with developing an accurate biometric database of both residents and immigrants to mitigate the risks posed by undocumented individuals.
The Dagwom Rwei and Chairman of the Barkin Ladi Traditional Council, HRH Edward Bot, called for an immediate cessation of attacks and urged all parties involved to operate within the confines of the law.
The Chairman of Barkin Ladi LGA, Hon. Gyang Pwajok, identified underage grazing as a significant trigger of conflict.
He expressed his appreciation for the prompt response of OPSH to the recent security breach in the Gashish community, which prevented further escalation.
Various other stakeholders voiced their sorrow over the recent loss of lives resulting from attacks in the region.
They highlighted the concerning new dynamics in the security situation and advocated for a review of the existing guidelines governing the interactions between farmers and herders within the LGA.
The engagement brought together a wide array of stakeholders, including heads of security agencies, traditional leaders, religious leaders, community leaders, youth representatives, women leaders, and government officials from Sector 4 and the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gashish.
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