Plateau attacks: Army chief meets with communities

Following the recent attacks in several communities within Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has convened a peace meeting with stakeholders in the locality.

DAILY POST recalls that unidentified gunmen had attacked Hurti, Ruwi, Josho, Daffo, Manguna, and other communities in the area.

As a result of these attacks, over 50 residents lost their lives, more than 300 houses were destroyed, and over 1,000 persons were displaced.

The recent violence has been described by Governor Caleb Mutfwang as a coordinated crime allegedly orchestrated by conflict profiteers, rather than a farmer-herder clash.

Speaking at the stakeholders’ meeting on Monday in Bokkos, the COAS stated that the gathering formed part of the Nigerian Army’s non-kinetic approach to fostering peaceful coexistence in Bokkos and surrounding areas.

He urged residents of the affected communities to embrace tolerance, forgiveness, and enduring peace.

Oluyede said: “I wish to assure you that our troops will continue to remain neutral, professional, and fair to all, regardless of tribe or religion.

“I also wish to assure you that those responsible for these heinous crimes will be apprehended and brought to justice.”;

He further noted: “Even if a battalion of troops were deployed to Bokkos, we might still fall short of achieving the desired peace.

“The security forces simply do not have the numbers to be present in every location. We, as a people, must learn to coexist peacefully.

“Peace in Bokkos and Plateau State is indeed possible, but only if we all commit to renouncing violence and embracing unity.”;

The army chief further pledged to deploy additional security personnel to the affected communities to ensure the safety of lives and property.

Also speaking, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, Commander of Operation Safe Haven, OPSH, and General Officer Commanding, GOC, 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Rukuba, described the engagement with stakeholders as timely, given the escalating security challenges in the area.

He promised enhanced collaboration with other security agencies to ensure a peaceful farming season in the region.

Alo Raymond, the District Head of Manguna, urged security agencies to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of the recent attacks. He alleged that the continued assaults on these communities were motivated by attempts at land grabbing.

The district head called for the deployment of more security personnel and vowed that the people of Manguna would not abandon their ancestral lands.

He also appealed to all levels of government to support the displaced persons with food supplies and other essentials necessary for restoring their livelihoods.

The meeting was attended by government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community heads, and representatives of youth and women’s groups.