The General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Major General E.F. Oyinlola, has emphasised the need for traditional, religious, and other stakeholders in Plateau State to collaborate with security agencies towards ensuring a hitch-free farming season.
General Oyinlola pointed out that traditional and religious leaders, who are the custodians of values and peace, must use their influence to promote dialogue, tolerance, and conflict resolution, adding that women and youths, who are the heartbeat of any society, must also be willing to actively participate in shaping the future of Plateau State.
“While we continue to collaborate with communities to provide timely and effective responses to security challenges, the cooperation of stakeholders is vital towards sustaining peace at the critical period of farming.”
Speaking during the engagement with stakeholders from Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State towards peaceful coexistence and a secure farming season, the OPSH Commander said the engagement was also motivated by the successes recorded through other engagements of this nature in the past.
He mentioned that security remains the bedrock of any society’s progress, without which economic activities, including farming and herding, cannot thrive, adding that Bokkos and indeed the entire Plateau State is endowed with rich agricultural resources that must be safeguarded for the benefit of all.
“It is therefore imperative to continue to build on the successes recorded so far in enhancing security and fostering peaceful coexistence. Operation SAFE HAVEN remains fully committed to ensuring peace and security in Plateau State and beyond.
“Over the months, OPSH has intensified efforts in securing communities, preventing attacks, and responding decisively to security threats. However, as we move towards another farming season, we must all recognise that security is a collective responsibility. No single security agency can achieve lasting peace without the cooperation and commitment of the people.
“Therefore, this engagement is to build upon these gains even as we prepare for the forthcoming farming season. We must be determined to consolidate on the gains made so far by ensuring that the forthcoming farming season is devoid of incidents that threaten the security of lives and property. Also, the period should not be seen as an opportunity to avenge real or perceived grievances,” he said.
The Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN/General Officer Commanding 3 Division further emphasised the commitment of his men to continue exploring robust non-kinetic strategies towards fostering peaceful coexistence in all the communities, adding that the commendable efforts of Operation SAFE HAVEN require the support of all segments of society to achieve a secure farming season.
In his address, the Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, who was represented by his Special Adviser, Special Duties Hon. Istifanus Mwansat, said the state government is committed to peacebuilding, adding that the governor’s commitment in this regard formed part of the reason he is giving the Peace Building Agency deserved attention.
The governor charged all stakeholders to live up to the expectations in terms of promoting peace and understanding among themselves, adding that as stakeholders, they are influencers in their various communities and must therefore stand for justice.
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