The Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, on Monday, April 7, 2025, held a high-level engagement with community leaders and key stakeholders in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, as part of ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in the region.
According to Director, Army Public Relations Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, at a town hall meeting held in Bokkos, General Oluyede urged the people to unite and work together in pursuit of lasting peace. He emphasized that development cannot thrive without harmony and called for collective efforts in addressing security threats.
“Security forces alone cannot eliminate threats without the active support and cooperation of the people,” he stated. The COAS called on residents to collaborate with security agencies, remain vigilant, and assist in detecting and preventing attacks within their communities. He assured that those responsible for recent violent attacks would be brought to justice.
Also speaking at the event, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, warned that any further acts of violence, destruction of property, or attacks on civilians would be met with decisive action. He reiterated that sustainable peace requires collective commitment and condemned the use of violence as a means to resolve grievances.
General Oyinlola encouraged religious and traditional leaders, as well as youth and women’s groups, to speak out against those inciting violence, regardless of status or affiliation.
Chairman of Bokkos Local Government, Honourable Amalau Samuel, thanked the COAS for his timely visit and acknowledged the efforts of security forces in curbing attacks in the area. Leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, and various youth and women groups also pledged their commitment to peacebuilding and community cooperation.
