Makinde approves ₦5m compensation, scholarships for families of slain Oyo forest guards

By Adejayan Gbenga

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday approved a compensation of ₦5 million each for the families of forest guards killed recently at the Old Oyo National Park. He also announced scholarships up to university level for the children of the deceased officers.

The governor disclosed this during an on-the-spot assessment visit to Oloka Village in Oriire Local Government Area, where the attack occurred. He said the visit was necessary to fully understand the security challenges in the area and reassure residents of the government’s commitment to their safety.

Makinde pledged to rehabilitate the road linking Ikoyi-Ile to Oloka under the Rural Access and Agricultural Market Project (RAAMP). He also promised improved telecommunication services, the installation of boreholes and the provision of solar-powered street lights to enhance living conditions in the community.

The governor further assured residents that the state would sustain a joint security operation in the area to prevent a recurrence of the attack. He revealed plans to write to military authorities in Abuja, requesting the establishment of a military base in Oloka to further strengthen security.

While commiserating with the affected families and the wider community, Makinde stressed that security is a collective responsibility. He urged residents to promptly report suspicious activities to the government and security agencies.

Makinde commended security operatives for their dedication and assured residents that his administration would intensify efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture. He later led the community in observing a minute’s 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 linked to the killing of the forest guards had been arrested and were currently undergoing investigation.

The governor was accompanied by top government officials, service commanders and traditional rulers, including the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, alongside religious and community leaders who pledged support for improved security in the area.