By Golok Nanmwa, Jos
Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Oluyemi Oluyede on Monday arrived in Bokkos local council area of Plateau State where gunmen had attacked five communities leading to the death of several persons.
The COAS who led a delegation of senior military officers to Bokkos to see the level of destruction caused by the gunmen’s invasion assured the people that the perpetrators of the heinous crime would be arrested and be made to face the full wrath of the law.
The Chief of Army Staff also called for peaceful coexistence amongst citizens of the state.
He also held meetings with stakeholders of the community which was attended by key stakeholders, including Major General Folusho Oyinlola General Officer Commanding (GOC) and Commander of Operation Safe Haven; representatives from the state government; and leaders from religious organizations.
General Oluyede promised to deploy more security personnel to affected communities for safety of lives and property, assuring that deployed troops would continue to be neutral, professional and fair to all irrespective of tribe and religion.
While emphasizing on peaceful coexistence, he also guaranteed that all perpetrators of the heinous crime would be arrested and prosecuted.
Speaking earlier during the visit , the GOC of 3 division and Commander of Operations Safe Haven, Major Gen. Folusho Oyinlola vowed that any further attacks on innocent civilians would not be accepted, warning that “enough is enough.
“The senseless acts of violence that was witnessed in some of our communities must stop. Let me make it unequivocally clear that any further attacks on innocent civilians, destruction of property, or acts of lawlessness will be decisively dealt with.
“OPSH alongside other security agencies will not stand idly by while criminal elements destabilize our communities. Those who think they can take the law into their hands and go unpunished should rethink their actions because the full weight of the law will be brought upon them, “the GOC said.
Major General Oyilola reiterated that troops under his watch would continue to seek sustainable solutions for lasting peace and ensure the safety of lives and property is protected noting that “we must acknowledge that military action alone cannot bring about lasting peace. Sustainable peace is a collective responsibility which requires commitment from every stakeholder.
“Let me quickly remind all the stakeholders that violence has never solved any problem. Instead, it leads to more pain, destruction and deep-seated hatred. History has shown that even the most protracted conflicts in the world have only been resolved through dialogue and reconciliation, “he said.
