From Abdul Abdul, Jos
In a significant move towards enhancing security and promoting social harmony in Plateau State, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Major General Folusho Oyinlola, engaged with the leadership of the Plateau State House of Assembly.
The meeting, held at the Headquarters 3 Division in Jos, aimed at fostering a collaborative relationship between the military and state lawmakers, ensuring stability and progress in governance.
A statement by the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 3 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja said during the courtesy visit, which was led by the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Daniel Naanlong, discussions centred on addressing the pressing security challenges faced by the state.
Speaker Naanlong emphasized the Assembly’s role as the voice of the people, expressing that the recurrent violence in Plateau requires immediate legislative intervention.
Naanlong said that they were there to identify with the GOC to commend his efforts in tackling security challenges in the state, underscoring the importance of the military’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property.
His comments reflected a desire not to place blame on security forces but rather to enhance collaborative efforts for the betterment of the state’s security landscape, proposing the establishment of a crisis resolution committee aimed at addressing grievances among diverse communities in Plateau.
In his response, General Oyinlola commended the lawmakers for their support of security agencies while congratulating Hon. Naanlong on his recent election as Speaker. He assured the legislators of the military’s readiness to collaborate in initiatives that promote sustainable peace and development in Plateau State.
Echoing the Speaker’s sentiments, the GOC advocated a dedicated conflict resolution committee that would serve as a platform for OPSH to work closely with the state government in managing conflict-related issues.
“It is essential that the state government adopts an inclusive policy to address the grievances of communities, particularly those often overlooked outside of election periods,” he remarked.
Oyinlola further encouraged the lawmakers to lead peace initiatives within their constituencies while the military continues its efforts through both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to combat insecurity. He highlighted the complexities and difficulties faced by security forces, reaffirming the need for continued support and resources to tackle these challenges effectively.
In a broader call to action, the Commander OPSH stressed that security is a collective responsibility that necessitates collaboration among the legislature, community leaders, youth, and other key stakeholders. “We must unite in our peace building programmes, which are crucial for the long-term stability of Plateau State.”
The visit concluded with an interactive session between military officials and lawmakers, the presentation of souvenirs, a signing of the visitors’ book, and a group photograph, symbolizing the strengthened partnership between the military and the state assembly.