In response to heightened security tensions following a recent breach in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General Folusho Oyinlola, convened a high-level stakeholders’ engagement to chart strategies for restoring peace.
In a statement, Media Information Officer, Operation SAFE HAVEN Major Samson Nantip Zhakom said Major General Oyinlola commended residents for their longstanding cooperation with security agencies and commitment to peaceful coexistence. He emphasized the importance of strengthening early warning mechanisms to ensure swift responses to potential threats, adding that security forces are intensifying operations to disrupt and apprehend perpetrators of violence.
The Commander urged stakeholders to prioritize dialogue over violence in resolving grievances and to support security agencies with timely intelligence. He also called on local authorities to develop a comprehensive biometric database of both residents and migrants to mitigate risks posed by undocumented individuals.
The traditional ruler of Barkin Ladi and Chairman of the Traditional Council, HRH Edward Bot, echoed the need to end hostilities and encouraged all parties to operate within the law. Similarly, Barkin Ladi LGA Chairman, Hon. Gyang Pwajok, condemned underage grazing, citing it as a major cause of conflict, and praised OPSH’s swift response to the recent breach in Gashish community, which prevented further escalation.
Other participants voiced concerns over the rising insecurity and the loss of lives, calling for a review of frameworks guiding farmer-herder relations in the area.
The meeting, which included stakeholders from Sector 4 and the Forward Operating Base Gashish, brought together heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community representatives, youth and women leaders, and government officials.
