The General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, has said concrete efforts are ongoing to apprehend the recent attackers in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas of Plateau State. The Commander made this known today 17 April 2025, during a stakeholders’ engagement organised towards de-escalating tension and preventing further attacks in the State, held at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Jos.

The Commander described the engagement as a call for deep action and restoration of peace. He emphasised that no provocation could justify the murder of innocent lives and destruction of property. General Oyinlola, added that operational strategies are being reviewed to address the recent unrest and hunt down perpetrators of the dastardly acts, including their collaborators.

Also, the Senior Special Adviser on Community Engagement (North-Central ) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mrs Abiodun Essiet in her remarks, said the Federal Government is saddened by the recent loss of lives in some LGAs of the State. She described the causes of the crisis as multidimensional which must be addressed headlong with the collaboration of critical stakeholders. She thanked the Commander for organising the event, and further maintained that non-kinetic mechanisms will be strengthened with the effort of government to tackle salient issues that could bring peace to the State.

Stakeholders who spoke at the event charged security agencies to fish out those responsible for the attacks in both Bokkos and Bassa LGAs. They urged the State government and OPSH to deploy their machineries to combat the security situation and safe the people from further loss.

The stakeholders decried the increasing proliferation of arms and called on appropriate authorities to ensure the mop-up of these arms in the hands of non-state actors. They reiterated their commitment to working with security agencies in putting a permanent end to the circle of violence.

The Special Guest of Honour and Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, stated that the Government is working round the clock to prevent any further attacks against the people. Represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Community Engagement, the Governor said the Government would not relent in protecting the people. He urged the people to eschew bitterness, be objective and work together to fight the menace. He encouraged security agencies to redouble efforts in curtailing security threats that might emanate from communities.

The stakeholders’ engagement which involved seven local government areas of Bassa, Mangu, Jos North, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Wase and Riyom, had in attendance traditional leaders, religious leaders, and community leaders. Others include youth representatives, women leaders and government functionaries.

SAMSON NANTIP ZHAKOM
Major
Media Information Officer Operation SAFE HAVEN
17 April 2025