Retired Major General Augustine Agundu, former Commander of Operation Safe Haven, has urged residents of Plateau State to refrain from retaliatory attacks in the wake of recent violence in Bokkos Local Government Area.
During an appearance on The Morning Brief on Channels Television on Monday, Agundu condemned the bloodshed, which has left dozens dead and displaced over a thousand people, calling the incident deeply regrettable.
He commended the efforts of troops under Operation Safe Haven, stating they are working diligently to prevent the situation from deteriorating further. “A lot has been done to ensure there’s no repeat of violence on this scale,” he noted.
Agundu pointed out that the current unrest is largely fueled by retaliatory attacks between neighboring villages, which has intensified divisions and disrupted the region’s history of peaceful coexistence.
He warned against individuals taking justice into their own hands, stressing that such actions pose a serious threat to peace and stability.
To address the root of the conflict, Agundu called on lawmakers to confront the lingering indigene-settler issue and strengthen the legal system to deter future violence. He emphasized that meaningful dialogue and a strong legal framework are crucial in restoring lasting peace to the region.