Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
The Nigerian Army has stepped up efforts to sustain peace in Plateau State as the farming season begins, engaging key stakeholders across Jos North, Jos East, and Bassa Local Government Areas.
This comes as the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, is calling for a renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence among residents.
Speaking through the Chief of Staff of the operation, Brigadier General Senlong Sule, at a stakeholders’ meeting in Jos, the GOC said the engagement is aimed at preventing a relapse into violence and ensuring a smooth farming season.
He commended communities in the affected areas for the noticeable drop in violent incidents in recent months, attributing the progress to dialogue and cooperation.
However, Major General Oyinlola warned that emerging threats including kidnapping, attacks on miners, illegal arms production, and clashes linked to cattle movement could undermine the fragile peace if not properly addressed.
To strengthen stability, Operation Enduring Peace announced a mix of both non-kinetic and combat strategies. This includes the distribution of fertilizers approved by the Chief of Defence Staff to support farmers across communities, as well as the deployment of a Special Forces unit approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to rapidly respond to security threats.
He also urged traditional, religious, and community leaders to take a proactive role in conflict resolution, particularly by discouraging youth from actions that could trigger violence, such as destruction of farmlands or cattle poisoning.
The media was equally advised to uphold professionalism and avoid sensational reporting capable of escalating tensions.
Major General Oyinlola reaffirmed that security agencies remain neutral and committed to protecting all citizens, stressing that lasting peace depends heavily on community cooperation.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Jos North Local Government Area, Barrister John Kyohroh Christopher, praised the military for restoring calm following previous unrest in Agwan Rukuba and pledged continued collaboration to maintain peace.
Community leaders, including representatives of both Muslim and Christian groups, also welcomed the intervention, assuring that efforts would be made to ensure a peaceful and productive planting season.