The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General EF Oyinlola, has reaffirmed the commitment of security forces to maintaining peace in Plateau State as preparations for the 2025 farming season intensify.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement in Mangu Local Government Area, General Oyinlola emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in ensuring a secure and productive 2025 farming season. Themed “Consolidating on the Security Gains for a Peaceful Farming Season,” the meeting focused on sustaining stability to promote agricultural growth.

General Oyinlola stressed that security is the foundation of progress, warning that disruptions caused by violence affect farming, households, and overall community well-being. “Security remains the bedrock of any society’s progress. We must consolidate on the gains made so far to ensure the forthcoming farming season is incident-free,” he said.

Reflecting on past successes, he noted the reduction in clashes between farmers and herders, which led to a peaceful harvest last year. He urged all stakeholders to embrace dialogue and resist violence, ensuring conflicts do not derail agricultural activities.

The GOC emphasized that security is a shared responsibility, calling on traditional and religious leaders, women, and youth groups to work closely with security agencies. “No single security agency can achieve lasting peace without the cooperation of the people,” he noted.

Representing Governor Caleb Mutfwang, his Special Adviser on Workers Welfare and Corporate Affairs, Rt. Hon. Titus Alams, reinforced the government’s commitment to peace and agricultural development. He highlighted the provision of over 200 tractors to modernize farming in Plateau, urging communities to support the government’s peace initiatives. “Without peace, the development Plateau desires will be difficult to achieve,” he stated.

The Plateau Peacebuilding Agency’s representative, Mr. Kenneth Dawop, stressed the importance of building trust between communities in Mangu through dialogue. He highlighted the role of the Community Peace Architecture Forum (CPAF) in fostering cooperation between farmers and herders.

Key religious and community leaders echoed the call for tolerance and reconciliation:

JNI Chairman’s Representative, Mr. Adamu Abdulsalam – Urged locals and herders to embrace peace and coexistence for a successful farming season.

CAN Chairman, Mr. Daluk Timothy Samson – Called for displaced farmers to return to their lands and encouraged forgiveness and reconciliation.

Mrs. Khadija Mohammed (FOMWAN) – Emphasized the need for understanding between communities, urging leaders to address the root causes of conflict.

Women Leader, Mrs. Nanchin Dalek – Highlighted the impact of violence on women and families, advocating for unity and trust to enable displaced persons to return.

HRH John Putman Hirse, represented by the Sum Pyem – Called for revisiting past agreements and promoting forgiveness to restore Mangu’s reputation as the “food basket of the nation.”

The Executive Chairman of Mangu Local Government Council, in his goodwill message, called for love, tolerance, and collaboration between farmers and herders. “Let us approach this farming season with optimism, unity, and a commitment to peace,” he urged.

As Plateau prepares for the 2025 farming season, the renewed focus on security, cooperation, and reconciliation is expected to foster stability and prosperity in the region.