To address the escalating security concerns in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, precipitated by a recent security breach, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, convened a meeting with critical stakeholders.
The Commander praised the people of Barkin Ladi for their cooperation with security agencies and commitment to peaceful coexistence. He emphasized the importance of strengthening early warning mechanisms to prevent unnecessary conflict. Major General Oyinlola assured that security agencies are heightening their operations to counter the activities of marauders and bring them to justice. He urged stakeholders to prioritize dialogue over violence in resolving long-standing grievances and encouraged the public to provide timely information to support early response efforts. Furthermore, he tasked the LGA with creating an accurate biometric database of residents and immigrants to mitigate risks posed 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 participated in the engagement expressed dismay over the avoidable loss of lives resulting from the recent attacks in the general area. They deplored 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.
The engagement, which brought together stakeholders from Sector 4 and Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gashish, was attended by heads of security agencies, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and community leaders. Others present included youth representatives, women leaders, and government functionaries.
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