Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Friday, announced a compensation of N5 Million each to the families of Forest Guards killed recently at the Old Oyo National Park. The governor also awarded scholarships up to the university level to children of the deceased guards.
Governor Makinde made these known when he paid an on-the-spot assessment to the scene of the incident at Oloka Village, Oriire Local Government Area, Ogbomoso. He promised to rehabilitate the road leading to the Oloka community from Ikoyi-Ile under the Rural Access and Agricultural Market Project (RAAMP) for easy movement, ensure improved telecommunication service and also install boreholes as well as solar-powered street lights in the community.
The governor also said the state would put up a sustained joint security effort for the people of the community. Governor Makinde, who commiserated with people of the community and the affected families, assured residents of the state that his administration would redouble its efforts to strengthen the security architecture of the state and make living in the community easy for them.
He also said that he would write a letter to the military authorities in Abuja, requesting the establishment of a military base in Oloka to further strengthen security in the community. The governor commended the service commanders for their support, dedication and commitment to securing lives and properties of the people, while also urging the residents of the state to always tip off the government and the security agencies when they notice any suspicious activity in their communities.
The governor later led the people to observe a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for the deceased.
The Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Security, CP Fatai Owoseni (rtd), hinted that three key suspects involved in the killing of the five National Forest Guards have been arrested and are currently undergoing further investigation.
