Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday announced a compensation of N5 million each for families of the Forest Guards recently killed at the Old Oyo National Park, alongside a fully funded scholarship up to the university level for the children of the deceased.
The governor made the announcement during an on-the-spot assessment visit to Oloka Village in Oriire Local Government Area of Ogbomoso zone, where the incident occurred.
Makinde also unveiled a series of interventions aimed at improving security and living conditions in the affected community.
These include the rehabilitation of the Ikoyi-Ile to Oloka road under the Rural Access and Agricultural Market Project (RAAMP), installation of boreholes and solar-powered street lights, and efforts to improve telecommunication services through the provision of network masts.
He further assured residents of a sustained joint security operation in the area and disclosed plans to formally request the establishment of a military base in Oloka.
Addressing community members and the bereaved families, the governor said his administration would intensify efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture.
“This is quite unfortunate, and I pray that God will uphold the families left behind by those who were killed,” Makinde said.
“The reason I decided to come by myself is for me to see the environment and the challenges our security agencies might be facing. One of them is communication, and I want to assure you that we will pay for telecommunication companies to come and install masts here.”
He added, “Whatever is expected of the government to do to ensure that you are all safe and secure, we will do it. For the bandits and those causing problems here, we will ensure that you feel the presence of our fortified security from now on.”
On the compensation package, the governor stated, “For the families that lost their loved ones in this unfortunate incident, each family will be given N5 million.
“They should send their representatives to us on Monday. For those who left children behind, I will personally sign for scholarships for their children up to the university level.”
Makinde also noted that clearance operations were ongoing in the Old Oyo National Park, stressing that security remained a collective responsibility.
“I want to urge residents to always alert the government and security agencies whenever they notice suspicious activities in their communities,” he said.
“We are working very hard with our service commanders, and we will redouble our efforts.”
The governor commended security commanders in the state for their dedication and commitment, after which he led the community in observing a minute of silence in honour of the deceased Forest Guards.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, retired Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni, disclosed that three key suspects linked to the killing had been arrested.
“As we are here today, I can tell you, Sir, that three key suspects directly involved in that incident have been arrested, and our security commanders are working on them,” Owoseni said.
“The security agencies will live up to Your Excellency’s charge that bandits will not be given any space to operate in Oyo State.”
He praised the governor for his consistent support for security agencies and assured residents of sustained efforts to protect lives and property across the state.
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 to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; and the Director-General of the Oyo State Mineral Development Agency, Hon. Abiodun Oni, alongside service commanders and other top government officials.
Traditional rulers and community leaders present included the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye; the Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Sunday Oyediran; as well as religious leaders and other stakeholders from the area.