Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Friday, announced a compensation package of N5 million each for the families of forest guards recently killed at the Old Oyo National Park, Oloka Village, Oriire Local Government Area.
The governor also approved scholarships up to the university level for the children of the slaid officers.
Makinde made the announcement during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the scene of the incident, where he commiserated with the affected families and residents of the community.
As part of immediate and long-term interventions, the governor promised to rehabilitate the Ikoyi-Ile–Oloka road under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), improve telecommunication services, provide boreholes, and install solar-powered street lights in the community.
He also assured residents of a sustained joint security operation to safeguard lives and property, adding that his administration would intensify efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture.
Governor Makinde disclosed that he would formally write to military authorities in Abuja, requesting the establishment of a military base in Oloka to further enhance security in the area.
While stressing that security remains a collective responsibility, the governor urged residents to always cooperate with security agencies by providing timely information on suspicious activities.
Commending security commanders for their dedication and professionalism, Makinde said the State government would continue to provide all necessary support to ensure peace and stability.
Addressing residents, the governor expressed sympathy with the families of the deceased and assured them of the government’s resolve to prevent a recurrence of the tragedy.
He said each affected family would receive N5 million, while children left behind by the slain guards would benefit from government-funded education up to the tertiary level.
Makinde explained that his visit was to personally assess the security challenges in the area, particularly communication gaps, noting that the state government would facilitate the installation of telecom masts to improve connectivity.
He added that the government was working closely with security agencies to intensify clearance operations within the Old Oyo National Park and eliminate criminal elements.
The governor later led residents and officials in observing a minute of silence in honour of the fallen forest guards.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, CP Fatai Owoseni (rtd.), disclosed that three key suspects linked to the killing of the five forest guards had been arrested and were undergoing further investigation.
Owoseni assured residents that security agencies would not allow bandits or criminal elements to gain a foothold in Oyo State, commending the governor for his unwavering support for security operatives.
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; service commanders and other top government officials.
Also present were the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye; the Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Sunday Oyediran; other traditional rulers, religious leaders and community representatives.
