Major General Oyinlola intensifies peace advocacy ahead of harvest, yuletide seasons
From Tongnaan Bawa Jos
In a renewed push to strengthen stability and promote peaceful coexistence across Plateau State, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), Major General Folusho Oyinlola, has embarked on strategic peace advocacy visits to Christian and Muslim worship centres in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
In a statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 3 Division Nigerian Army Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the engagements are part of sustained non-kinetic measures aimed at tackling lingering farmer-herder tensions and preventing violence during the harvest and forthcoming yuletide seasons.
Speaking to a Christian congregation in Barkin Ladi on November 9, 2025, Major General Oyinlola underscored the neutrality and professionalism of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, assuring worshippers of the military’s unwavering commitment to protecting all citizens regardless of ethnic or religious affiliation.
“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.”
Reaffirming the military’s readiness to respond swiftly to any security threat, the GOC stressed the importance of community collaboration. “We cannot be everywhere. If you see something, say something. We will respond no matter the time of day,” he assured.
He condemned the persistent killings that have ravaged communities on the Plateau, pledging that under his command, OPEP will intensify operations to dismantle criminal networks fueling the crisis. “Lives are too precious. We will work tirelessly to stop the killings on all sides,” he vowed.
Continuing his peace advocacy on November 14, 2025, the GOC addressed Muslim faithful during Jumu’ah prayers in Mahanga, where he called for patience, dialogue, and trust. He noted that Plateau State has suffered recurring conflicts for over two decades, with casualties recorded across communities and among security personnel.
Identifying farmer-herder clashes as a major catalyst, Major General Oyinlola recalled that earlier generations relied on dialogue and compensation to resolve disputes. He lamented that “crisis merchants” now exploit communal differences for personal gain, thereby escalating violence.
Urging residents to shun self-help, he said, “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.”
With the harvest season often associated with increased tensions, the GOC urged communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities immediately. “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 warned.
He condemned those profiting from instability and called on communities to resist such influences. The GOC also reminded worshippers that Islam is a religion of peace and encouraged them to uphold peaceful conduct at all times.
Major General Oyinlola disclosed plans to convene a broad stakeholders’ meeting involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth representatives, and community stakeholders from all local government areas to consolidate ongoing peace efforts and strengthen early-warning systems.
Reaffirming the commitment of troops under 3 Division and OPEP, he stressed that no conflict can be resolved through violence. He urged communities to embrace dialogue, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence as the best path forward for Plateau State.
