In a bid to de-escalate the growing security tension in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State orchestrated by a recent security breach, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Folusho Oyinlola met with critical stakeholders on de-escalating tensions and strategizing on ways the security situation could be addressed.
The engagement which involved stakeholders from Sector 4 and Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gashish, had in attendance heads of security agencies, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and community leaders. Others include youth representatives, women leaders and government functionaries.
Addressing the stakeholders, General Oyinlola commended the people of Barkin Ladi for their cooperation with security agencies and disposition to peaceful coexistence over the years, adding that the area must not be allowed to slide into unavoidable conflict.
He therefore emphasised the need for strengthening the early warning mechanism for prompt response and action.
General Oyinlola maintained that security agencies are intensifying their operations and combativeness to frustrate the activities of the marauders and bring them to justice. The Commander urged the stakeholders to prioritise dialogue over carrying of arms to settle longstanding grievances.
He urged the people to assist security agencies with timely information to bolster early response efforts to prevent breakdown of law and order, tasking the LGA Council to provide an accurate biometric database of residents and immigrants, to reduce the risks pose by undocumented individuals.
The Dagwom Rwei and Chairman Barkin Ladi Traditional Council, HRH Edward Bot, in his remarks, called for an immediate halt to the attacks, and urged parties concerned to operate within the ambit of the law.
While the Chairman, Barkin Ladi LGA, Hon Gyang Pwajok, condemned underage grazing, describing it as one of the triggers of crisis, he appreciated the efforts put in place by OPSH to immediately respond to the security breach in Gashish community before degenerating into a complex situation.
Other stakeholders who spoke at the engagement, expressed sadness over the wanton loss of lives resulting from the recent attacks in the general area.
They decried the recent dynamics in the security situation, and called for a review of the documents guiding the activities of farmers and herders in the LGA.
