By Fatima Saka
Jos, Plateau State — 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 communities in Jos North, Jos East, and Bassa Local Government Areas, warning of emerging threats as the farming season begins.
Represented by the Chief of Staff of the Operation, Brigadier General Senlong Sule, the GOC made the appeal during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement in Jos, describing the meeting as a strategic step toward consolidating peace and preventing a relapse into violence.
Sequel to the recent stakeholders engagement in Jos, Plateau State capital, Oyinlola commended residents for the noticeable decline in violent incidents in recent months, attributing the relative calm to sustained dialogue and improved community cooperation. However, he cautioned that the fragile peace must be protected against rising security concerns, including kidnapping, attacks on miners, illegal arms production, and the influx of cattle into farming communities—often a trigger for conflict.
To address these challenges, the military outlined a mix of kinetic and non-kinetic interventions. Notably, the Chief of Defence Staff has approved the distribution of fertilizers across affected communities to boost agricultural productivity and reduce tensions linked to resource competition.
The GOC also revealed that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved the deployment of a Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion—an elite Special Forces unit—to Plateau State.
The move, he said, is aimed at swiftly tackling emerging threats and reinforcing ongoing stabilization efforts, which are already yielding reductions in isolated attacks and public anxiety.
Addressing traditional, religious, and community leaders, Oyinlola stressed the need for strengthened grassroots conflict resolution mechanisms. He urged leaders to sensitize youths against provocative acts such as farm destruction and cattle poisoning, while advocating for a community-driven code of conduct to guide peaceful interactions.
He also charged the media to uphold professionalism, warning that sensational or unverified reports could inflame tensions rather than foster peace.
Reaffirming the neutrality of security agencies, the GOC emphasized their commitment to protecting all citizens regardless of ethnic or religious affiliation, noting that peace remains a collective necessity.
In his remarks, Chairman of Jos North Local Government Area, Barrister John Kyohroh Christopher, praised Operation ENDURING PEACE for restoring calm following the Agwan Rukuba killings. He pledged continued collaboration with security agencies to sustain peace in the area.
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Community leaders, including traditional rulers and representatives of Muslim and Christian groups, also expressed appreciation for the military’s efforts, particularly the distribution of fertilizers, and pledged to support a peaceful farming season free of conflict.
The military reiterated its resolve to sustain clearance operations against criminal elements, while stressing that lasting peace ultimately depends on the cooperation and sincerity of local communities.
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