The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Major General Folusho Oyinlola, has held separate meetings with the Plateau State chapters of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) to seek their cooperation in tackling the ongoing security challenges in the state.

The meetings came in the wake of renewed attacks on communities in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas, which led to the loss of numerous lives.

General Oyinlola emphasised the critical role of religious leaders in shaping society and promoting peace.

The commander stressed that sustainable peace in Plateau requires addressing deep-rooted grievances and that religious leaders are best placed to mediate such issues. He urged them to persist in preaching peace and tolerance while security forces scale up operations against emerging threats.

In their separate remarks, the Chairman of CAN, Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, and the Chairman of JNI, Alhaji Muhammad Sambo Haruna, advocated for religious tolerance and a community-based approach to conflict resolution. They pledged their unwavering support for all legitimate efforts to foster peaceful coexistence in Plateau State.

Meanwhile, troops of the 3 Division/Operation Safe Haven have arrested two kidnappers in Marit Mazat, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Sunday.  The troops also recovered weapons from the arrested suspects.

According to Major Samson Zhakom, spokesperson for the operation, the suspects were arrested through intelligence.