By Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, has called for renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence among residents of Jos North, Jos East, and Bassa Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
Speaking through the Chief of Staff of the Operation, Brigadier General Senlong Sule, during a critical stakeholders’ engagement held in Jos, the GOC said the meeting was strategically convened to develop practical measures for sustaining peace as the farming season begins.
He commended residents of the three local government areas for their commitment to stability, noting a significant decline in violent incidents in recent months.
He attributed the relative peace to sustained dialogue and cooperation among communities.
However, Major General Oyinlola cautioned that the gains recorded must be protected against emerging security threats.
He expressed concern over incidents of kidnapping, attacks on miners, illegal arms manufacturing, and the large-scale influx of cattle into farming communities, which have historically resulted in the destruction of farmlands and subsequent reprisals.
According to him, to address these challenges, Operation ENDURING PEACE has introduced both non-kinetic and kinetic interventions.
He disclosed that the Chief of Defence Staff had approved the distribution of fertilizers to stakeholders across affected communities to boost agricultural productivity and strengthen peaceful relations.
The GOC further revealed that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, recently approved the deployment of the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion, an elite Special Forces unit, to Plateau State.
He explained that the deployment is aimed at swiftly containing emerging threats and reinforcing ongoing stabilization efforts, which have already helped to reduce anxiety and isolated attacks in the region.
Addressing traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders at the meeting, Major General Oyinlola stressed the need to strengthen community-based conflict resolution mechanisms.
He urged leaders to sensitize youths against provocative actions such as destruction of farmlands and cattle poisoning, while also encouraging the development of a community-driven code of conduct.
He further appealed to the media to maintain high professional standards, warning that sensational or unverified reports only escalate tensions rather than promote peace.
Major General Oyinlola reaffirmed that security agencies remain neutral and committed to upholding the Constitution and protecting all law-abiding citizens, regardless of ethnic or religious background.
He reminded participants that peace is a collective necessity for survival and not a favour to any group.
While assuring residents that Operation Enduring Peace would continue aggressive clearance operations against criminal hideouts, the GOC maintained that lasting peace depends largely on the sincerity and cooperation of local communities.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Jos North Local Government Area, Barrister John Kyohroh Christopher, commended Operation Enduring Peace for its relentless efforts in restoring peace to the area following the unfortunate Agwan Rukuba killings.
He stated that the local council would continue to collaborate with the Joint Task Force to consolidate peace in Jos North.
The chairman also praised the GOC, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Chief of Defence Staff for distributing fertilizer palliatives to farmers in the region.
Traditional rulers as well as Muslim and Christian community leaders also appreciated the gesture, commending the military for its efforts and pledging to ensure a peaceful farming season without rancour.