Folunsho Oyinlola, the commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, has met with key stakeholders regarding the rising security challenges in Plateau.

Mr Oyinlola, who doubles as the general officer commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, met with stakeholders from Mangu LGA on Thursday in Jos.

Mr Oyinlola, who reiterated his commitment towards ensuring lasting peace in all parts of Plateau, described the meeting as timely.

The commander decried the spate of killings in mining sites and the influx of cattle into farming communities, and urged the stakeholders to close ranks towards a peaceful state.

“While we celebrate the progress made so far in Mangu LGA, we must face the unfolding realities in this locality.

“I must express the concerns of security agencies about recent developments in parts of the state; in particular, there is the growing unease about the attack on miners at mining sites, as well as the influx of large numbers of cattle into farming communities.

“While the movement of livestock in Mangu and indeed Plateau is not unusual, the scale and timings of this influx raise legitimate security concerns.

“Unfortunately, this development has already resulted in adverse outcomes including farm destructions, isolated attacks, and attacks on livestock,” he said.

Mr Oyinlola called on residents of Mangu to unite to ensure that the early warnings didn’t slide into avoidable conflicts.

He said the meeting aimed to provide sustainable solutions towards lasting peace in the locality and Plateau.

(NAN)