By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has 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 of the state.
Makinde also approved government-funded education up to the university level for the children of the deceased officers.
He announced this during a visit to the scene of the incident on Friday, January 16, where he commiserated with the families of the deceased and residents of the community, and assured them of the government’s resolve to prevent a recurrence of the tragedy.
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.
Makinde also commended security commanders for their dedication and professionalism, adding that the state government would continue to provide all necessary support to ensure peace and stability.
He 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.
According to him, 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, Mr Fatai Owoseni, disclosed that three key suspects linked to the killing of the five forest guards had been arrested and were undergoing further investigation.
