By Odita Sunday
The General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, has commenced a series of peace advocacy visits in Plateau State as part of efforts to prevent a resurgence of violence during the harvest and yuletide seasons.
Oyinlola visited Christian and Muslim worship centres in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, where he emphasised the military’s neutrality and commitment to protecting all residents.
Addressing a Christian congregation on November 9, the GOC said, “The Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force and the Police are your institutions. We are here for you and part of you.”
He urged the public to support security agencies with timely information. “We cannot be everywhere. If you see something, say something. We will respond regardless of the time,” he said.
Oyinlola condemned the persistent killings in parts of Plateau and said troops would intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks behind the violence.
During Jumu’ah prayers on November 14 in Mahanga, he advised residents to embrace dialogue, patience and trust, noting that the state had faced more than two decades of conflict driven partly by farmer-herder tensions.
He warned against self-help and encouraged residents to report disputes to military personnel rather than take unilateral action.
“With the harvest season beginning, tension tends to rise. From today, I do not want to hear of killings from any side. Report incidents immediately and we will act,” he said.
The GOC disclosed plans to convene a stakeholders’ meeting involving traditional rulers, religious leaders and youth groups to strengthen early-warning systems and coordinate peace efforts.
He reiterated that violence cannot resolve conflict and urged communities across the state to prioritise dialogue and peaceful coexistence.