GOC 3 Division Urges Stakeholders Foster Peaceful Coexistence Ahead Of Farming Season
By: Omolola Fadile, Jos
As the 2025 farming season approaches, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, has called on the people of Plateau State, North Central Nigeria, to consolidate the peace and security achieved across the state.
He emphasized that maintaining stability is essential for peaceful coexistence and a successful harvest.
Major General Oyinlola made this appeal during a one-day stakeholders’ meeting with key representatives from Mangu Local Government Area of the State.
In his remarks, the GOC highlighted the significance of the gathering as preparations for the 2025 farming season commence.
“The theme of this engagement, Consolidating on the Security Gains for a Peaceful Farming Season, reflects the urgency and importance of our collective responsibility to ensure peace and prosperity in our communities.
The success of past engagements like this motivates us to continue these efforts.
Let me reiterate that security is the foundation of any society’s progress—without it, economic activities such as farming and herding cannot thrive.
The Major General further emphasized that Mangu and the entire Plateau State are blessed with rich agricultural resources that must be protected for the benefit of all.
“Mangu is endowed with great natural resources that must be safeguarded at all costs. We must work toward a safe and secure farming season.
The cycle of violence must end—we cannot continue to lose innocent lives due to our differences. We must strive to live in peace and harmony, as that is the only path to economic development. I also want to assure you that justice will be served in all cases. I urge you not to take the law into your own hands,” he said.
Security Efforts and Call for Cooperation
Speaking on the efforts of Operational Safe Haven (OPSH)to secure lives and property, Major General Oyinlola reaffirmed the military’s dedication to peace in Plateau State.
“As the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN, I assure you that OPSH remains fully committed to ensuring peace and security in Plateau State and beyond. Over the months, we have worked tirelessly to protect lives and property, prevent conflicts, mediate disputes, and respond decisively to security threats.
However, security is a collective responsibility. Sustainable peace can only be achieved when communities actively support the security process by resolving disputes amicably, reporting criminal activities promptly to security agencies, and rejecting all forms of incitement to violence.
As we approach another farming season, we must resist any attempts by crisis merchants to incite violence.
Instead, we must cooperate with security agencies to create the necessary conditions for a seamless farming season,” he said.
He further stressed the importance of non-kinetic strategies in peace building, urging stakeholders to act as ambassadors of peace, not just in words but in actions.
Government’s Commitment to Peace and Agricultural Development
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang represented by his Special Adviser on Workers’ Welfare and Corporate Affairs, Rt. Hon. Titus Alams reaffirmed the government’s dedication to peace and agricultural advancement.
He highlighted the provision of over 200 tractors to modernize farming in Plateau State and urged communities to support the government’s peace initiatives.
Building Trust and Fostering Reconciliation
Mr. Kenneth Dawop, representing the Plateau Peacebuilding Agency, stressed the importance of dialogue in fostering trust among Mangu’s communities.
He underscored the critical role of the Community Peace Architecture Forum (CPAF)in promoting cooperation between farmers and herders.
Key religious and community leaders echoed the call for tolerance and reconciliation:
- Mr. Adamu Abdulsalam (JNI Chairman’s Representative)urged locals and herders to embrace peace and coexistence for a productive farming season.
- Mr. Daluk Timothy Samson (CAN Chairman)encouraged displaced farmers to return to their lands, emphasizing forgiveness and reconciliation.
- HRH John Putman Hirse, represented by the Sum Pyem called for revisiting past agreements and fostering forgiveness to restore Mangu’s reputation as the food basket of the nation.
- The Executive Chairman of Mangu Local Government Council emphasized the need for love, tolerance, and collaboration between farmers and herders.
Oyenike Oyeniyi
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