By Our Editorial
Increase in cattle population and boost in farming produce in Plateau State, just like any part of the country ought to be a good news to add value to the Nigerian economy.
Besides the Nigerian economy, boom in the two occupation in various communities of the State, will also help in feeding not only Plateau State, but will ensure food security in the country.
To this end, the step taken to ensure peace and harmony in the area by the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Foluso Oyinlola, through Engagement Of Critical Stakeholders, is really commendable.
But what has been applauded as good move in many quarters, is now creating another controversy.
Stating that the remarks of Major General Oyinlola has been misrepresented by some online media, a statement monitored by Security Watch Africa (SWA) and issued by the Media Information Officer, Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, noted that several reports had deliberately twisted the General’s statements during the recent stakeholders’ engagement held in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on May 6, 2025.
It faulted the reports giving impression that the influx of cattle to the local government has constituted an imminent threat to peace in the area.
“This claim is a blatant falsehood, suggesting that security agencies perceive the influx of cattle as an imminent threat to the fragile peace we are striving to maintain in Plateau State.
“Such misrepresentation not only distorts the truth but also undermines the collaborative efforts between security agencies and community members to uphold peace and stability.” the statement stated
During the engagement, Major General Oyinlola, had stated “While celebrating this progress made in Barkin Ladi, we must face the unfolding realities in the Local Government Area. I must express the concerns of security agencies about recent developments in parts of Barkin Ladi LGA.
“In particular, there is the growing unease about the influx of large number of cattle into farming communities.
“While the movement of livestock in Barkin Ladi and indeed Plateau State is not unusual, the scale and timing of these influxes raises legitimate security concerns.
“Unfortunately, this development has already resulted in adverse outcomes, including farm destructions, isolated attacks, and attacks on livestock.
“The impact of these adverse outcomes on food security, economic stability, and social harmony cannot be over-emphasised.” he stated.
The Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN had added “We cannot afford to ignore these early warning signs. We must act together to ensure Barkin Ladi does not slide into avoidable conflicts.
“The farming season is already ongoing, and for many families, this is a period for securing livelihood.
“Therefore, any disruption of farming activities now will have dire consequences for the rest of the year and beyond.
“To this end, this engagement is convened to hear from you stakeholders – to listen to your concerns, jointly develop strategies, and to reaffirm our shared commitment to peaceful coexistence.” he said.
This speech by Major General Oyinlola, which sadly has been misread, misunderstood or mischievously quoted to fit certain agenda, is an obvious early warning mechanism that calls for concerted actions by all Stakeholders, not only in Plateau State but the entire Nigeria.
With the series of Stakeholders’ Engagements embarked on by Operation SAFE HAVEN under Major General Foluso Oyinlola is the elixir needed to propel actions by all concerned.
To ensure peace on the Plateau and every parts of the country, it’s very important media practitioners should avoid sensationalism in their reports and take extra steps to ensure peace and harmony in Nigeria.
Every citizen and organisation in the country should be more patriotic and shun anything that has the tendency of dividing the nation more.