Major General Folusho Oyinlola, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), has affirmed that the military is taking decisive steps to address the recent violence in Plateau State.
According to the commander, efforts are actively underway to apprehend those behind the brutal attacks in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas.
Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, Media Information Officer, Operation SAFE HAVEN, on Thursday, 17 April 2025
The Commander made this declaration on Thursday, April 17, 2025, during a crucial stakeholders’ engagement aimed at de-escalating the palpable tension and preventing any further bloodshed in the state.
The meeting was held at the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Jos.
Describing the engagement as a critical “call for deep action and restoration of peace”, General Oyinlola minced no words in condemning the violence.
“No amount of provocation can ever justify the senseless murder of innocent lives and the destruction of valuable property,” he asserted.
He further disclosed that operational strategies are currently being reviewed and recalibrated to effectively address the recent surge in unrest and to relentlessly hunt down the perpetrators of these heinous acts, including any individuals or groups found to be collaborating with them.
Adding her voice to the condemnation, the Senior Special Adviser on Community Engagement (North-Central) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mrs Abiodun Essiet, conveyed the Federal Government’s deep sorrow over the recent tragic loss of lives in several local government areas of the state.
She characterised the root causes of the persistent crisis as “multidimensional”, emphasising the urgent need for a comprehensive approach involving the active collaboration of all critical stakeholders.
Mrs Essiet commended the Commander for organising the timely and vital engagement and assured attendees that non-kinetic mechanisms would be significantly strengthened through government initiatives aimed at tackling the underlying issues fuelling the conflict and ultimately ushering in lasting peace to the troubled state.
Various stakeholders who contributed to the discourse at the event passionately called upon security agencies to leave no stone unturned in their quest to identify and bring to justice those responsible for orchestrating the attacks in both Bokkos and Bassa LGAs.
They implored the state government and Operation SAFE HAVEN to deploy all necessary resources and strategies to effectively combat the deteriorating security situation and safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the vulnerable populace from further devastating losses.
A key concern raised by the stakeholders was the alarming increase in the proliferation of illegal arms within the state.
They collectively called on the appropriate authorities to urgently implement measures to mop up these dangerous weapons currently in the hands of non-state actors.
Reaffirming their commitment to collaborative efforts, the stakeholders pledged to work hand in hand with security agencies to achieve a permanent resolution to the cyclical violence that has plagued the region for far too long.
The Special Guest of Honour at the engagement, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, reiterated the unwavering commitment of his administration to preventing any future attacks against the people of the state.
Represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Community Engagement, the governor assured the gathering that the government is working tirelessly, “round the clock”, to ensure the safety and security of all citizens and would not relent in its efforts to protect them.
He passionately urged the people to reject bitterness and division, to embrace objectivity, and to work together in unity to decisively combat the menace of insecurity.
Governor Mutfwang also charged security agencies to redouble their efforts in proactively curtailing any potential security threats that may emerge from within communities.
The extensive stakeholders’ engagement brought together a diverse array of leaders and representatives from seven local government areas: Bassa, Mangu, Jos North, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Wase, and Riyom.
The attendees included esteemed traditional rulers, influential religious leaders, respected community leaders, vibrant youth representatives, prominent women leaders, and key government functionaries, all united in their pursuit of lasting peace and security for Plateau State.
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