By Iyabo Adebisi
Oyo State Governor, Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde has 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 scholarship 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 also 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 sustainable 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 intensify efforts in strengthening the security architecture of the state and make life easy for them in the community.
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.
He noted that, security should be seen as a collective responsibility and not the business of government alone, 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 commended the service commanders for their support, dedication and commitment to securing lives and properties of the people, and later led the people to observe a minute silence as a mark of respect for the deceased.
Earlier, 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 had been arrested and currently undergoing further investigation.
He commended the governor for his dedication and support to the security operatives in the state, assuring him that the security agencies would not relent in ensuring the security of lives and properties in the state.
Edited by Taiwo Akinola
