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.