Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced a compensation of five million naira each to the families of the forest guards killed in the recent attack at Old Oyo National Park. He also pledged scholarships up to the university level for the children of the deceased.
The governor made the announcement during an on-the-spot assessment at Oloka Village in Oriire Local Government Area, Ogbomoso, where he met with community members and observed the aftermath of the attack. He promised to rehabilitate the road from Ikoyi-Ile to Oloka under the Rural Access and Agricultural Market Project (RAAMP), improve telecommunication coverage, and install boreholes and solar-powered streetlights to enhance living conditions.
Makinde emphasized a sustained joint security effort in the area, assuring residents that his administration would strengthen the state’s security architecture and make life safer for the community. He added that he would write to military authorities in Abuja to request the establishment of a military base in Oloka to further enhance security.
Acknowledging that security is a shared responsibility, the governor urged residents to report suspicious activities to the authorities, stressing the importance of community vigilance alongside government efforts. He commended service commanders for their dedication to protecting lives and property.
Addressing the families affected by the tragedy, Governor Makinde said, “For the families that lost loved ones, each will receive N5 million, and their children will be granted scholarships up to university level. Representatives should come forward on Monday. We are committed to supporting you and ensuring that such incidents do not happen again.”
He also highlighted plans to improve communication infrastructure, noting, “One challenge our security agencies face here is communication. We will fund the installation of telecom masts to ensure better coverage.”
The governor led the community in a minute of silence to honor the deceased.
Earlier, the Special Adviser on Security, CP Fatai Owoseni (rtd), confirmed that three key suspects linked to the attack have been arrested and are under investigation. He assured that security forces remain committed to eliminating banditry in Oyo State.
Makinde’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; the Director General of the Mineral Development Agency, Hon. Abiodun Oni; service commanders, and other top government officials. Traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community representatives also attended the visit, showing solidarity with the affected families and the governor’s initiatives.
The governor’s visit reinforced the state’s commitment to security, community support, and development, ensuring that the tragedy at Oloka is met with both compassion and decisive action.
