MISREPRESENTATION OF GOC/COMMANDER OPSH'S REMARKS BY SOME ONLINE MEDIA
The 3 Division Nigerian Army and Operation SAFE HAVEN wish to address the recent misrepresentation of remarks made by Major General EF Oyinlola, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, by certain online media outlets. It has come to our attention that several reports have deliberately twisted the General's statements during the recent stakeholders' engagement held in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on May 6, 2025.
One such report was misleadingly headlined, "Nigerian Army Raises Alarm over Mass Influx of Cattle into Plateau State: Warns of Security Threats.” 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.
To clarify, Major General Oyinlola's actual remarks during the engagement emphasized the need for communal cooperation in facing potential challenges. He 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 overemphasized.
“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."
As evident, the General's statement does not issue a warning of security threats. Rather, it embodies a proactive approach to community engagement, promoting cooperation to ensure peaceful coexistence between farming and herding activities. The focus is on recognizing potential issues and addressing them collaboratively before they escalate.
Operation SAFE HAVEN and other security agencies remain neutral and committed to engaging all stakeholders towards peaceful conflict resolution. We stand as a bridge to peace among conflicting communities and maintain our dedication to neutrality, even in the face of occasional challenges.
In light of this, we assure all community members that Operation SAFE HAVEN is committed to working closely with local leaders to ensure economic activities continue without disruption, and to safeguard the lives and livelihoods within our operational area. We urge all media outlets to report responsibly and accurately, as the dissemination of misinformation poses a significant threat to peace and stability.
SAMSON NANTIP ZHAKOM
Major
Media Information Officer
Operation SAFE HAVEN
7 May 2025
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