Oloka Tragedy: Makinde Pledges Stronger Security, Pays ₦5m to Fallen Guards’ Families

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Friday announced a compensation of ₦5 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.

The governor also approved scholarships up to the university level for the children of the deceased officers.

Makinde made the announcement during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the community, where he commiserated with residents and families affected by the incident.

As part of measures to improve living conditions and security in Oloka, 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 further assured residents of a sustained joint security operation, adding that his administration would strengthen the state’s security architecture to prevent a recurrence of such attacks.

Governor Makinde disclosed that he would write to military authorities in Abuja to request the establishment of a military base in Oloka to further reinforce security in the area.

While noting that security is a collective responsibility, the governor urged residents to always cooperate with security agencies by providing timely information on suspicious activities.

He commended security commanders for their dedication and commitment, assuring them of continued government support.

The governor explained that his visit was aimed at personally assessing the challenges faced by security agencies, particularly communication gaps, noting that the state government would facilitate the installation of telecommunication masts in the area.

Makinde said each affected family would receive ₦5 million, while children left behind by the deceased forest guards would benefit from government-sponsored education up to the tertiary level.

He added that the state government was working closely with security agencies to intensify clearance operations within the Old Oyo National Park and rid the area of criminal elements.

The governor later led residents and officials in observing a minute of silence in honour of the slain forest guards.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, CP Fatai Owoseni (rtd.), disclosed that three key suspects connected to the killing of the five forest guards had been arrested and were currently undergoing investigation.

Owoseni assured residents that security agencies would not allow bandits to operate in Oyo State, commending the governor for his consistent support for security operatives.

Among those who accompanied the governor were 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.