General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), Major General Folusho Oyinlola, has visited Christian and Muslim congregations to calm the rising tensions across Plateau state.

The visit followed attacks on villages, killings, shooting and rustling of cattle in Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs of the state.

According to the GOC, the engagements were part of ongoing non-kinetic efforts across the state, aimed to address lingering farmer-herder tensions and mitigate the risk of violence during the harvest and upcoming yuletide seasons.

Onyilola had, on November 9, 2025, addressed a Christian congregation in Barkin Ladi, where he emphasized the need for people to embrace one another, assuring worshippers that the military is committed to protecting all citizens, irrespective of ethnic or religious background.

“The Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Police are your institutions, established for the collective good of all. We are here for you and we are part of you,” he said.

The GOC assured the Christian worshippers of the military’s readiness to respond swiftly to security breaches and stressed the importance of collaboration.

“We cannot be everywhere. If you see something, say something. We will respond no matter the time of day,” he said.

He strongly condemned the persistent killings that have plagued the region, vowing that under his command, OPEP would intensify efforts to dismantle the criminal networks fueling the crisis.

“Lives are too precious. We will work tirelessly to stop the killings on all sides,” he affirmed.

The GOC on Friday, also visited Muslim faithful during Jumu’ah prayers in Mahanga community in Riyom LGA.

He highlighted the need for patience, dialogue, and mutual trust, noting that Plateau State has endured over two decades of recurring conflict with casualties on all sides, including security personnel.

Identifying farmer-herder clashes as a major trigger, Oyinlola recalled how previous generations resolved disputes peacefully through dialogue and compensation.

He expressed concern that “crisis merchants” now exploit ethnic and communal clashes for personal gain, escalating the violence, urging the community to avoid taking the law into their own hands.

“When you have a problem, you are at liberty to approach a soldier. We are trained to address your challenges; do not resort to self-help, noting that this season witnesses heightened tensions and therefore, all hands must be on deck to avert violence.

“From today, I do not want to hear of killings on any side. If anything happens, reach out to us immediately and we will act,” he stated.

He further condemned the activities of those who profit from instability and called for collective resistance against such influences. (Daily Trust)