By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
The newly appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Maj.-Gen. Eyitayo Oyinlola, has vowed to end the persistent violence in Plateau State, declaring that communities must no longer live in fear.
Oyinlola, who assumed command on Thursday at the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Jos, made it clear that restoring lasting peace to Plateau and other areas under his jurisdiction will be his top priority. “The cycle of violence must end. It is unacceptable for communities to continue living in chaos and fear. We will intensify our efforts to break this pattern and ensure normalcy,” he stated.
The GOC emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders and pledged to sustain the gains made by his predecessor, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, who has been redeployed to the National Defence College, Abuja.
Outgoing GOC Abubakar reflected on the complexities of Plateau’s security challenges, highlighting the need for both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to manage conflicts. “Mediating between herders and farmers has been a critical part of our operations. I believe Maj.-Gen. Oyinlola is well-equipped to take on these challenges,” he said.
Oyinlola also stressed discipline and troop welfare as key elements of his leadership, urging officers to maintain professionalism while working towards the collective goal of regional stability.
