Oloka Village, Oyo State: Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of five National Park Service Forest Guard Officers during a bandit attack on the National Park Office in Oloka Village earlier today.
In a statement released on his official LinkedIn page, Makinde described the incident as a “devastating loss of lives in the course of duty” and prayed for the repose of the officers who were killed while protecting Nigeria’s natural heritage.
Preliminary investigations by security agencies indicate the assault was a cross‑border attack, underscoring the growing threat posed by criminal groups operating across Nigeria’s borders. Makinde confirmed that joint operations are underway to track the perpetrators and urged residents to cooperate with security agencies in intelligence gathering.
Appealing for calm, the governor assured residents of Oriire Local Government Area and other border communities that normalcy has been restored, with additional personnel deployed to strengthen security and prevent further incursions.
“Our administration will leave no stone unturned to respond decisively and prevent a recurrence of such attacks,” Makinde wrote, pledging intensified border security and enhanced collaboration among agencies.
The Governor’s LinkedIn post has cast a somber mood across Oyo State, with tributes pouring in for the fallen officers whose sacrifice highlights the daily risks faced by those safeguarding Nigeria’s forests and wildlife.