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Maj.-Gen. Oyinlola Assumes Command as GOC 3 Division, Vows to End Plateau’s Cycle of Violence
Maj.-Gen. Eyitayo Oyinlola has officially assumed duty as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH).
Oyinlola took over from Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, who has been posted to the National Defence College, Abuja. The handing-over ceremony took place on Thursday, beginning at the 3 Division Headquarters, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Rukuba Barracks, and later concluding at the Headquarters of Operation Safe Haven in Jos, Plateau State. Oyinlola expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for entrusting him with the role.
“I am honored to take up this responsibility and pledge to sustain the achievements of my predecessor while working tirelessly to ensure lasting peace in Plateau and other areas under our jurisdiction,” Oyinlola stated.
He assured officers and soldiers of his commitment to collaboration, stressing that peace and stability in the region are paramount. Oyinlola also emphasized the need to break the cycle of violence in Plateau State, stating, “Life is not meant to be chaotic. We must double our efforts to eradicate criminality and ensure that communities can coexist peacefully.”
In his remarks, the outgoing GOC, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, commended the officers and troops for their dedication and support during his tenure. He urged them to extend the same level of cooperation to Oyinlola.
Abubakar described the security situation in Plateau as complex, requiring both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. “The security dynamics here are unique. Mediating in conflicts between communities, particularly herders and farmers, has been a critical part of our operations. I am confident that Maj.-Gen. Oyinlola has the expertise to handle these challenges effectively,” Abubakar noted.
While thanking the Chief of Army Staff for his support, he further lauded the troops for their efforts in maintaining a crisis-free yuletide season during his tenure and charged them to remain resolute in their duties. Abubakar also thanked the government and people of Plateau for their cooperation and urged them to support his successor.
Speaking at the OPSH Headquarters in Jos during the handover ceremony, Oyinlola reaffirmed his determination to achieve total peace in Plateau and other operational areas. “The cycle of violence must end. It is unacceptable for communities to continue living in fear. We will intensify efforts to restore normalcy,” he said.
He emphasized discipline as a core value and promised to prioritize the welfare of troops to ensure optimal performance. “Discipline will be encouraged, and indiscipline will be appropriately sanctioned. Together, we can bring lasting peace to Plateau State,” Oyinlola added.
The ceremony marked a new chapter for the 3 Division and OPSH, with high expectations for the continuation of efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured displaced residents of Plateau State that the Federal Government will rebuild communities affected by violence and facilitate their safe return home.
Tinubu gave the assurance on Saturday during the APC presidential campaign rally at Zaria Road Stadium in Jos, where he acknowledged the devastation caused by insecurity in parts of the state.
Recalling his previous visit to Plateau, the President said he was restricted to the airport and could not visit communities in the hinterland.
“The last time I visited Plateau State, I was limited to the airport. Forgive me if you didn’t see me in the hinterland, but I saw the devastation, got the report from the governor, and saw the horror on the faces of our people,” he said.
He added that the situation had since changed, assuring displaced persons that his administration would support the rebuilding of their communities and enable them to return.
“But since then, that has changed; we are forging ahead together. I assure those who are displaced that we will rebuild your communities and bring you back there,” Tinubu stated.
The President said his administration was committed to restoring peace in affected communities and ensuring residents could return to their homes without fear.
On security measures, Tinubu disclosed that 1,000 forest guards were undergoing training, while surveillance cameras were being procured to strengthen security operations.
- His assurances come amid persistent security challenges and displacement in parts of Plateau State, where affected communities continue to face the challenge of rebuilding lives and restoring livelihoods.
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