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Army Chief Engages Stakeholders in Bokkos, Seeks Lasting Peace Following Deadly Attacks
In response to the recent wave of violent attacks that have left several communities in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State devastated, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, on Monday, led a high-level engagement with critical stakeholders aimed at restoring peace and security to the region.
The stakeholder engagement, held in Bokkos on April 7, brought together military commanders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth and women representatives, and local government officials. The meeting came in the aftermath of coordinated attacks on multiple villages, which resulted in numerous casualties, destruction of property, and mass displacement of residents.
Speaking at the forum, the Chief of Army Staff emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach to resolving the crisis, noting that the use of military force alone would not suffice.
“We must recognize that some of the root causes of these conflicts require political solutions,” Lt Gen Oluyede stated. “While we are committed to boosting security presence with more personnel and resources, we must also address the underlying issues driving this violence.”
The Army Chief disclosed plans to meet with Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, to chart a political and strategic course for long-term peace in the area.
He acknowledged the need for more troops and logistical support, including motorcycles and vehicles to navigate the difficult terrain of Bokkos and surrounding areas. “Even if the entire Nigerian Army is deployed here, we will achieve little unless the root causes are addressed,” he warned.
In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General EF Oyinlola, condemned the recent violence and reiterated the military’s resolve to hold perpetrators accountable.
“Any further attacks on innocent civilians will be met with the full force of the law,” he warned. “We will not allow criminal elements to destabilize our communities.”
He stressed that sustainable peace could only be achieved through the collective efforts of all stakeholders, urging leaders to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and forgiveness. “History has shown that even the most protracted conflicts can be resolved through dialogue and compromise. Violence only begets more violence,” he said.
Bokkos Local Government Chairman, Hon. Samuel Amalau, provided a harrowing account of the recent attacks, which he said began early Wednesday morning and spread across at least seven communities. He described how armed assailants launched simultaneous assaults, killing civilians, burning homes, and looting properties in broad daylight.
“Children were macheted, women were killed, and houses set ablaze as people went about their normal business,” Amalau recounted. He appealed for more security personnel, vehicles, and motorcycles to enhance rapid response, especially given the vast and scattered nature of communities in Bokkos.
He also revealed that over 1,700 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have taken refuge within the town, with others scattered across other communities, and neighboring Nasarawa State, calling for urgent support and protection for the IDPs.
The engagement concluded with the Chief of Army Staff reaffirming his commitment to peace and assuring that all recommendations would be taken seriously in collaboration with the state government. He also visited the 322 Nigerian Army Artillery Regiment in Shendam to assess troop welfare.
The meeting marks a crucial step in ongoing efforts to restore calm to Plateau’s troubled communities, as calls for justice, reconciliation, and sustained peace continue to grow louder.
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Nigerian street-pop star Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has expressed regret over the controversial ending to his celebrity boxing rematc against actor Charles Okocha in Lagos.
The highly anticipated bout, billed as an opportunity to settle the rivalry between the two entertainers, ended prematurely after Portable walked away from the contest following a chaotic opening round.
The dramatic development left fans and spectators stunned, as the expected boxing showdown quickly descended into disorder, with tensions between the two fighters spilling beyond the normal boundaries of the contest.
In a statement issued by his management, Zeh Nation/Dr Zeh, the singer’s team apologised to the organisers, Balmoral Group, the event crew, fans, friends and family members who had turned out to support him.
The management acknowledged the disappointment caused by Portable’s decision to leave the fight after the opening round while appealing to the public to respect his decision and perspective.
“We understand the disappointment caused by the outcome of the fight and by Portable’s decision to step away after the first round,” the statement said.
The team also accepted responsibility for the disappointment generated by the incident and expressed appreciation to Portable’s supporters for their continued loyalty despite the controversy surrounding the bout.
Zeh Nation further commended Balmoral Group and everyone involved in organising the celebrity boxing event, while apologising for any inconvenience caused by the unexpected conclusion.
According to the management, the reaction to the incident has been noted, with the experience expected to serve as a learning opportunity for Portable and his team.
“We have taken note of the feedback, and we are committed to learning from this experience. We promise to come back stronger and do better next time,” the statement added.
Portable’s early departure brought an abrupt end to a rematch that had attracted considerable attention from both entertainment and sports fans in Lagos.
Rather than producing the decisive conclusion many had anticipated, the contest ended in controversy, leaving Charles Okocha and the event organisers to deal with the fallout from a chaotic night inside the ring.
The singer’s management concluded by thanking fans for their continued support, understanding and belief in Portable, despite the circumstances surrounding the bout.
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