Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Friday announced a compensation package of ₦5 million each for the families of forest guards recently killed in an attack at the Old Oyo National Park, alongside full educational scholarships up to university level for the children of the deceased.
Makinde disclosed this during an on-the-spot assessment of the incident scene at Oloka Village in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, where he met with community leaders, security chiefs and grieving families.
Beyond the immediate compensation, the governor unveiled a raft of infrastructural and security interventions aimed at restoring confidence and improving living conditions in the affected community.
These include the rehabilitation of the Ikoyi-Ile – Oloka road under the Rural Access and Agricultural Market Project (RAAMP), installation of boreholes, deployment of solar-powered street lights, and urgent steps to enhance telecommunication services through the erection of mobile network masts.
He also assured residents of a sustained joint security operation to flush out criminal elements operating within and around the national park, stressing that his administration would further strengthen the state’s security architecture.
Addressing the community, Makinde described the killings as “unfortunate and painful,” while assuring residents that the government would not abandon them to insecurity.
“I want to assure you that whatever is expected of the government to ensure you are safe and secure, we will do it,” the governor said. “For the families that lost their loved ones, each will receive ₦5 million, and for those who left children behind, I will personally approve scholarships for them up to university level.”
The governor added that poor communication infrastructure had been identified as a major challenge for security agencies operating in the area.
According to him, the state government would fund the installation of telecommunication facilities to ensure seamless communication for both residents and operatives.
Makinde further disclosed plans to formally request the Federal Government for the establishment of a military base in Oloka, noting that a permanent military presence would significantly deter banditry and related crimes in the axis.
However, he emphasized that security remains a collective responsibility, urging residents to promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, CP Fatai Owoseni (rtd), revealed that three key suspects linked to the killing of the five forest guards had been arrested and were undergoing further investigation.
“Our security commanders are working on the suspects, and we are confident that justice will be served,” Owoseni said, assuring that criminal groups would not be allowed to gain a foothold anywhere in Oyo State.
The governor later led a minute of silence in honour of the slain guards.
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 of the Oyo State Mineral Development Agency, Hon. Abiodun Oni; alongside service commanders and other top government officials.
Traditional rulers present at the visit included the Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, the Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Sunday Oyediran, as well as religious and community leaders from the area.