Ogbomoso, Oyo State: The Special Adviser on Security to the Oyo State Governor, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, says three key suspects have been arrested in connection with the January 5 killing of five forest guards at the Old Oyo National Park in Oloka Village.
Owoseni disclosed this on Friday while briefing Gov. Seyi Makinde, who paid an assessment visit to the scene of the Jan. 5 bandits attack at the Old Oyo National Park office, Oloka Village in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo state.
He said that the suspects are currently undergoing further investigation.
During the visit, Gov. Seyi Makinde said a request would be made to the military authorities in Abuja to establish a military base in Oloka Village to further strengthen security in the community.
The governor, who commiserated with the community and affected families, said the state would establish a joint security programme for the community.
He assured residents of the state that his administration would redouble its efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture.
Makinde, however, emphasised that security was a collective responsibility of all, not the business of government alone.
He urged residents of the state to always alert government and security agencies when they notice any suspicious activity in their community.
The governor commended the service commanders for their support, dedication, and commitment to securing the lives and properties of the people.
Makinde also promised to rehabilitate the road leading to the community from Ikoyi-Ile under the Rural Access and Agricultural Market Project (RAAMP) to facilitate easier movement and improve telecommunications services.
“I want to assure you that we will pay for telecommunication companies to come and install masts here,” he said while equally promising to provide boreholes as well as solar-powered street lights in the community, as ways of making living in the community easy.
The governor further announced a compensation of N5 million each to the families of the five forest guards killed during the attack.
He also awarded university-level scholarships to the children of the deceased guards.
He warned bandits and troublemakers in the area to desist, vowing to ensure that the culprit feels the presence of a fortified security presence henceforth.
“We are working very hard with our service commanders to ensure we put every necessary thing in place as touching clearance operation in the Old Oyo National Park,”the governor added.
The governor later led the people to observe a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for the deceased.
