By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Jos
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), Major General Folusho Oyinlola, has held separate engagements with Christian and Muslim congregations in Plateau State as part of efforts to calm rising tensions in crisis-hit communities.
The peace mission followed recent attacks, killings, cattle rustling and sporadic shootings recorded in villages within Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas.
According to the GOC, the visits form part of sustained non-kinetic strategies to de-escalate long-standing farmer-herder disputes, and to prevent violent outbreaks during harvest activities and the forthcoming yuletide season.
On November 9, 2025, Major General Oyinlola addressed a Christian congregation in Barkin Ladi, where he urged residents to embrace unity, assuring that the military remains committed to protecting all citizens irrespective of ethnicity or religion.
“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.
He assured worshippers of prompt military response to distress calls, saying: “We cannot be everywhere. If you see something, say something. We will respond no matter the time of day.”
The Commander condemned the persistent killings that have plagued the region and vowed that OPEP under his watch would intensify operations geared towards identifying and dismantling criminal networks enabling the violence.
“Lives are too precious. We will work tirelessly to stop the killings on all sides,” he added.
On Friday, Major General Oyinlola also visited Muslim faithful during Jumu’ah prayers in Mahanga community of Riyom LGA, where he encouraged patience, dialogue and trust, noting that Plateau has suffered over two decades of recurring bloodshed, affecting civilians and security personnel.
He identified farmer-herder clashes as a major trigger and recalled how older generations settled disputes peacefully through dialogue, negotiation and compensation.
Expressing concern that “crisis merchants” now exploit grievances for personal gain, he warned against self-help, saying: “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.”
He stressed that intelligence sharing is vital in preventing violence and added: “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.”
Major General Oyinlola further condemned those profiting from instability, urging residents to collectively resist divisive influences and embrace peaceful coexistence.