The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has urged the people of Plateau state to embrace one another and unite towards the realisation of peace and security in the state.
Oluyede made the call on Monday, 7th April 2025 during an engagement with community leaders and critical stakeholders in Bokkos Local Government Area of the state in an effort to find enduring peace in Bokkos and its environs.
Speaking at a town hall meeting in Bokkos,the Army Chief noted that without peace and harmony, the state would be devoid of any form of development and progress.
He pointed out that security forces alone cannot eradicate security threats in the communities without the cooperation and support of the inhabitants. .
He called on the people to close ranks with security operatives in the state and collaborate amongst themselves to enhance proactive detection and elimination security threats in their communities in order to avert senseless loss of lives.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede assured that the perpetrators of the heinous crimes against defenseless civilians would be identified and made to face the full wrath of the law.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army, who also doubles as Commander Operation Safe Haven, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, warned that any further attacks on innocent civilians, destruction of property, or acts of violence would be decisively quelled.
He maintained that while security forces will continue to do everything within their mandate to ensure the safety of lives and property, it must be acknowledged that sustainable peace is a collective responsibility, which requires commitment from every stakeholder.
The GOC observed that violence has never solved any problem but rather leads to more pain, destruction, and hate. He therefore enjoined the religious leaders, traditional rulers, youth, and women leaders to have the moral courage to resist and speak out against those inciting violence, irrespective of their status .
The Chairman, Bokos Local Government, Amalau Samuel, who appreciated the efforts of the security forces in stemming the spate of killings by the assailants, appreciated the COAS for visiting Bokkos for the town hall engagement with them at such a critical time.
Samuel alongside other speakers cutting across the leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria, Jamaatu Nasril Islam, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Bokkos Youth and Women Associations among others all committed to working for peace to reign in the land.
