By Augustine Ehikioya
The General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Foluso Oyinlola has met with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) Plateau State chapters.
At the meetings, he sought for their cooperation in addressing security concerns in the State.
The Commander at separate visits to the religious bodies, outlined the significant role religious leaders play in moulding the Society with words of comfort, encouragement and love.
He acknowledged the efforts of the religious bodies and support for security agencies in policing the society.
General Oyinlola, in a statement by Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, Media Information Officer, Operation SAFE HAVEN, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), described the faith-based organisations as pivotal in protecting the sanity of the society and sanctity of human life.
The Commander recognised the need to allow religious leaders address the deep-seated animosity believed to have been fueling the security challenges and also spearhead the forgiveness process to set the State free from needless conflict.
He, therefore, relies on the leadership of both organisations for positive solutions by continuing to preach peace and tolerance, while security agencies strengthen their operational capacity to confront emerging threats.
In their responses, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev Fr Polycarp Lubo and Chairman, Jama’atu Nasril Islam Plateau State chapters, Alhaji Muhammad Sambo Haruna called for religious tolerance and community-based approach to addressing security challenges.
They pledged their organisations’ commitment to supporting every legitimate means of achieving peaceful coexistence in the State.