Makinde condemns killing of Five Forest Guards, vows decisive action

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has confirmed that the recent attack on the National Park office in Oloka village, Oriire Local Government Area, which claimed the lives of five forest guards, was perpetrated by cross-border bandits.

In a statement on his X handle on Tuesday, Governor Makinde described the incident as a criminal attack and a tragic loss of lives in the line of duty.

“Earlier today, there was a criminal attack by bandits at the National Park Office, Oloka village, which resulted in the death of five National Park Service forest guard officers,” he wrote. “This is a devastating loss of the lives of personnel in the course of carrying out their lawful duties.”

Makinde revealed that preliminary investigations by security agencies indicated that the attackers crossed into Oyo State from a neighbouring area. He assured that security forces were working in collaboration and that additional personnel had been deployed to the affected location to restore safety.

The governor appealed to residents, particularly in Oriire LGA and other border communities, to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies. “The security agencies have restored normalcy in the area,” he added, stressing that the state government would leave no stone unturned to prevent a recurrence.