Attack on National Park Office: Makinde Appeals For Calm, Vows to Prevent Recurrence

…As Governor assures Oyo residents of safety as security presence increases

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has urged residents to remain calm following an attack by suspected bandits on the National Park Office at Oloka Village in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, which claimed the lives of five National Park Service forest guards.

In a statement issued and signed on Wednesday, by the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Makinde, Dr. Sulaiman Olanrewaju, said that the governor described the incident as a “devastating loss” and assured that his administration would take decisive steps to prevent a recurrence.

Makinde disclosed that preliminary investigations by security agencies revealed that the attack was a cross-border operation carried out by bandits. He noted that security agencies were already collaborating to address the situation and had intensified efforts to restore peace in the affected area.

The governor appealed to residents, particularly those in Oriire Local Government Area and other border communities, to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful intelligence.

“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,” the governor said.

“This is a devastating loss of lives of personnel in the course of carrying out their lawful duties. May their souls rest in peace.”

He added that normalcy had been restored, with additional security personnel deployed to the area, and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.

“Our administration will leave no stone unturned to respond decisively to prevent a recurrence of such attacks,” Makinde assured.