By Paul Ebi
Barkin Ladi, Plateau State — In a concerted effort to strengthen stability and peaceful coexistence, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), has conducted strategic visits to Christian and Muslim worship centres in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The visits, part of ongoing non-kinetic interventions across Plateau State, aim to address lingering farmer-herder tensions and mitigate potential violence during the harvest and upcoming yuletide seasons.
On November 9, 2025, Major General Oyinlola addressed a Christian congregation in Barkin Ladi, stressing the neutrality and professionalism of the Nigerian Armed Forces. “The Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Police are your institutions, established for the collective good of all,” he told worshippers. “We are here for you and we are part of you.”
The GOC assured the community of the military’s readiness to respond swiftly to security breaches and urged cooperation. “We cannot be everywhere. If you see something, say something. We will respond no matter the time of day,” he said. He also condemned persistent killings in the region and vowed that OPEP would intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks fueling the crisis. “Lives are too precious. We will work tirelessly to stop the killings on all sides,” he affirmed.
Continuing his outreach, Major General Oyinlola engaged Muslim faithful during Jumu’ah prayers in Mahanga on November 14, 2025. He highlighted the importance of patience, dialogue, and mutual trust, noting that Plateau State has suffered decades of recurring conflict affecting both civilians and security personnel.
Identifying farmer-herder clashes as a major trigger, he recalled how previous generations resolved disputes through dialogue and compensation, warning against modern “crisis merchants” who exploit ethnic and communal tensions for personal gain. He advised the community to avoid taking the law into their own hands, saying, “When you have a problem, you are at liberty to approach a soldier. We are trained to address your challenges; do not resort to self-help.”
Major General Oyinlola also cautioned that the harvest season historically sees heightened tensions. “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,” he said, condemning those who profit from instability and calling for collective resistance against their influence.
Looking ahead, the GOC disclosed plans to convene a comprehensive stakeholders’ meeting, bringing together traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth representatives, and community stakeholders from all local government areas to consolidate peace efforts and strengthen early-warning mechanisms.
Reaffirming the commitment of 3 Division and OPEP troops, Major General Oyinlola emphasized that conflicts are never resolved through violence, urging communities to prioritize dialogue, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence as the path forward for Plateau State.
