Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday visited Oloka Village in Oriire Local Government Area following the recent killing of five National Forest Guards at the Old Oyo National Park, announcing a compensation of ₦5 million each to the families of the deceased.
The governor also approved scholarships up to university level for the children left behind by the slain guards.
Makinde made the announcements during an on-the-spot assessment of the scene of the incident, where he commiserated with the affected families and residents of the community. He assured them of the state government’s renewed commitment to strengthening security and improving living conditions in the area.
As part of immediate interventions, the governor promised to rehabilitate the Ikoyi-Ile–Oloka road under the Rural Access and Agricultural Market Project (RAAMP), improve telecommunication services through the installation of telecom masts, and provide boreholes and solar-powered street lights for the community.
He also disclosed plans to establish a sustained joint security operation in the area and said he would write to military authorities in Abuja to request the establishment of a military base in Oloka to further enhance security.
Governor Makinde described the incident as unfortunate and urged residents to see security as a collective responsibility by promptly reporting suspicious activities to authorities.
“For the families that lost their loved ones, each will receive ₦5 million, while children of the deceased will be granted scholarships up to the university level,” the governor said, adding that his visit was to personally assess the terrain and challenges facing security agencies, particularly communication gaps.
He assured that the state, in collaboration with security agencies, would intensify clearance operations within the Old Oyo National Park to flush out criminal elements.
The governor later led residents and officials to observe a minute of silence in honour of the deceased forest guards.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, CP Fatai Owoseni (rtd), revealed that three key suspects connected to the killings have been arrested and are currently undergoing investigation.
Owoseni commended the governor for his unwavering support for security agencies and assured that bandits would not be allowed to operate in Oyo State.
Members of the governor’s entourage included the Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Hon. Mojeed Mogbonjubola; Senior Executive Assistant on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; Director-General, Oyo State Mineral Development Agency, Hon. Abiodun Oni; alongside service commanders and other top government officials.
Traditional rulers present at the visit included the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, the Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Sunday Oyediran, as well as religious and community leaders.
