Barkin Ladi Must Not Slide Into Conflict – Maj. Gen. Oyinlola Warns, As Stakeholders Meet Over Fresh Attacks
In the wake of renewed violence in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander, Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, has called for urgent action to prevent the escalation of tensions in the area.
Speaking during a high-level stakeholders meeting held in the LGA, Maj. Gen. Oyinlola commended residents for their long-standing cooperation with security agencies and their commitment to peaceful coexistence. He warned that Barkin Ladi must not be allowed to slide into unavoidable conflict, urging the strengthening of early warning systems to ensure prompt response to any security threats.
The Commander disclosed that security operations are being intensified to clamp down on criminal elements responsible for recent violence. He also encouraged the people to embrace dialogue rather than resorting to arms in resolving grievances. He appealed for community support through timely and accurate intelligence, and further tasked the local council to produce a biometric database of residents and migrants to help tackle threats from undocumented individuals.
The meeting follows a fresh attack on Sunday in Marit village and Gashish district of Barkin Ladi, where at least six people were killed by unknown gunmen, sparking condemnation and renewed calls for security intervention.
Traditional ruler and Chairman of Barkin Ladi Traditional Council, HRH Edward Bot, condemned the attacks and urged all concerned parties to operate within the law. Similarly, the Chairman of Barkin Ladi LGA, Hon. Gyang Pwajok, decried underage grazing as a trigger of conflict and commended Operation SAFE HAVEN for swiftly responding to the Gashish attack.
Member representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency, Hon. Engr. Fom Dalyop Chollom, also applauded the efforts of security agencies and pledged to continue facilitating dialogue among stakeholders. He called for punitive measures against perpetrators of criminal acts.
Also speaking, Ardo Abubakar Abdullahi acknowledged the efforts of security agents in restoring peace. He highlighted the need for unity between farmers and herders, noting that both can thrive peacefully if mutual respect is maintained. He added that incidents of cattle rustling and kidnapping had declined recently.
Chairman of the local government, Hon. Pwajok Stephen Gyang, expressed gratitude to Maj. Gen. Oyinlola for his proactive leadership and regular visits to crisis-prone areas. He urged farmers to move in groups during the upcoming farming season for their safety and called on herders to end the practice of sending underage children to graze cattle.
Other speakers at the meeting, including traditional leaders, religious leaders, youth, and women representatives, lamented the loss of lives and property. They called for a review of guidelines governing farming and herding activities in the LGA to prevent future clashes.
The engagement, which brought together stakeholders from Sector 4 and the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gashish, aimed at forging a united front to sustain peace and prevent further bloodshed in Barkin Ladi and surrounding communities.