The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), Major General Folusho Oyinlola, has intensified peace advocacy efforts across Plateau State with strategic visits to Christian and Muslim worship centres in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The visits, held on November 9 and 14, 2025, form part of broader non-kinetic interventions aimed at addressing persistent farmer-herder tensions and preventing violence as communities approach the harvest and yuletide seasons — historically volatile periods in the region.
During his address to a Christian congregation in Barkin Ladi on November 9, Major General Oyinlola reaffirmed the neutrality and professionalism of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, stressing that security agencies exist to protect all citizens without discrimination.
“The Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Police are your institutions, established for the collective good of all,” he said. “We are here for you and we are part of you.”
Calling for stronger cooperation between residents and security personnel, the GOC urged community members to report suspicious activities promptly. He assured them of the military’s readiness to respond to any security threat at any hour.
The GOC condemned the recurring violence in Plateau State and vowed that OPEP would intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks responsible for the killings. “Lives are too precious. We will work tirelessly to stop the killings on all sides,” he said.
Continuing his peace engagements on November 14, Major General Oyinlola addressed Muslim faithfuls during Jumu’ah prayers in Mahanga, where he emphasized patience, dialogue, and trust as tools for lasting peace. Noting that Plateau has battled over two decades of recurring conflict, he said the region’s crises have taken a toll on residents and security forces alike.
Describing farmer-herder clashes as a major trigger of violence, he lamented that “crisis merchants” now exploit communal divisions for personal gain. He urged residents not to take the law into their own hands, reminding them that soldiers are trained and available to address grievances.
“With the harvest season approaching, we must remain vigilant,” he cautioned. “From today, I do not want to hear of killings on any side. If anything happens, reach out to us immediately and we will act.”
The GOC also called on communities to resist those who profit from instability and encouraged Muslims to uphold the peaceful teachings of Islam in their daily lives.
Looking ahead, Major General Oyinlola announced plans for a statewide stakeholders’ meeting that will bring together traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, and community representatives to enhance early-warning systems and consolidate peacebuilding efforts.
Reaffirming the commitment of the 3 Division and OPEP troops, he stressed that violence cannot resolve any conflict. “Dialogue, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence remain the best path forward for Plateau State,” he said.
— ALIYU DANJA
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations
3 Division Nigerian Army
14 November 2025
