Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved a compensation package of ₦5 million each for the families of Forest Guards killed recently at the Old Oyo National Park, alongside full scholarships up to university level for the children of the deceased.
The governor announced the measures on Friday during an on-the-spot assessment visit to Oloka Village in Oriire Local Government Area of Ogbomoso, where the guards were attacked.
Makinde said the state government would also rehabilitate the road linking Ikoyi-Ile to Oloka under the Rural Access and Agricultural Market Project (RAAMP), improve telecommunication services by facilitating the installation of telecom masts, and provide boreholes and solar-powered street lights to the community.
He further assured residents of a sustained joint security operation to protect lives and property, adding that his administration would strengthen the state’s overall security architecture.
As part of long-term security measures, the governor disclosed plans to formally request the establishment of a military base in Oloka, noting that security remains a collective responsibility requiring active community cooperation.
“I want to assure you that whatever is expected of the government to ensure you are safe and secure, we will do it,” Makinde said. “For the families that lost their loved ones, each will receive ₦5 million, and children of the deceased will be placed on scholarship up to the university level.”
He also pledged enhanced clearance operations within the Old Oyo National Park and warned criminal elements that the state would no longer tolerate banditry in the area.
The governor commiserated with the affected families and community members, led a minute of silence in honour of the slain guards, and commended security agencies for their commitment to safeguarding the state.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, CP Fatai Owoseni (rtd), revealed that three key suspects connected to the killing of five Forest Guards had been arrested and were undergoing investigation.
Owoseni assured that security agencies would intensify efforts to ensure bandits do not find refuge anywhere in Oyo State.
The visit was attended by top government officials, including the Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Hon. Mojeed Mogbonjubola; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; and the Director-General of the Oyo State Mineral Development Agency, Hon. Abiodun Oni.
Traditional rulers present included the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, and the Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Sunday Oyediran, alongside religious and community leaders.
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