FIC Report (Oyo State) – Three of the bandits, who, a few weeks ago, had attacked the Forest Guards at Oloka village in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, have been nabbed, as the Security agents in the country hunt for the rest of the attackers.
This was made known today, Friday 16th, January 2026, by the Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor, Fatai Owoseni, a retired Commissioner of Police.
Mr. Owoseni, who was in the entourage of the state Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, who paid ‘on-the-sport’ visit to Oloka, the site of the attack, said that the bandits in the state “must surrender or face arrest as Security forces in Oyo State have increased operations to track down those responsible for the killing of five officers of the National Park Service at Old Oyo National Park, Oloka Village, Orire Local Government Area, with three key suspects already arrested.
The Security Adviser to the governor said the arrested suspects were currently undergoing investigation, adding that security agencies were closing in on other perpetrators linked to the deadly attack.
He assured residents that criminal elements would not be allowed to take refuge or operate within Oyo State, commending Governor Makinde for his sustained support and commitment to strengthening security operations across the state.
During the visit, Governor Makinde announced a ₦5 million support package for each family of the slain forest guards, describing the gesture as part of the government’s responsibility to those who paid the ultimate price in service to the state.
The governor also announced that he had granted approval for full scholarships up to the university level for the children of the deceased officers.
Gov. Makinde unveiled a series of interventions, which he said were aimed at improving security and living conditions in Oloka and surrounding communities. These interventions include the rehabilitation of the Ikoyi-Ile–Oloka road under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), provision of boreholes, installation of solar-powered streetlights, and improvement of telecommunication services in the area.
The governor assured the residents that a sustained joint security operation involving the military, police and other security agencies, which has been introduced to the area since the attack, would continue until the area is completely cleared of criminal elements.
For a permanent security provision for the area, Makinde disclosed that he would formally write to military authorities in Abuja to request the establishment of a military base in Oloka to further reinforce security around the Old Oyo National Park axis.
While stressing that security remains a collective responsibility, Makinde urged the residents to cooperate fully with security agencies by providing timely and useful information on suspicious movements.
He also commended security commanders for their dedication and professionalism, assuring them of the state government’s continued logistical and moral support.
According to the governor, his visit was aimed at personally assessing the challenges faced by security operatives, particularly communication gaps, noting that the state government would facilitate the installation of telecommunication masts in the area.
Engr. Makinde reiterated that the state government was working closely with security agencies to intensify clearance operations within the national park and ensure that such attacks do not recur.
The visit concluded with the governor leading the residents, officials and security personnel in observing a minute of silence in honour of the fallen forest guards.
Among those who accompanied the governor were the Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, the Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Hon. Mojeed Mogbonjubola; Senior Executive Assistant on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; Director-General, Oyo State Mineral Development Agency, Hon. Abiodun Oni; service commanders and other top government officials.
Also present were other other traditional ruler, the Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Sunday Oyediran, as well as religious leaders and community representatives.
Signed
Blessing Oluwadamilola Ajayi
(Miss Ajayi is a Corp member serving at FIC, Ibadan).
Edited by Moses Oyelade,
AD(I&PR), FIC, Ibadan.
