- Safiu Kehinde
The Oyo State Government has confirmed the arrest of three suspects involved in the killing of five forest guards at the Old Oyo National Park in Okola Village.
This was made known by the Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Security, Mr Fatai Owoseni.
Owoseni disclosed this on Friday while briefing Governor Seyi Makinde who paid an assessment visit to the scene of the January 5 bandits attack at the national park office in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo state.
He said that the suspects are currently undergoing further investigation.
During the visit, Makinde said that a request would be made to the military authorities in Abuja for the establishment of a military base in Oloka Village to further strengthen security in the community.
The governor, who commiserated with people of the community and the affected families, said the state would constitute a joint security programme for the people of the community.
He assured residents of the state that his administration would redouble its efforts to strengthen the security architecture of the state.
Makinde, however, emphasised that the issue of security was a collective responsibility of all and 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 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) for easy movement and also ensure improved telecommunication service.
“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 streetlights 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 scholarship up to university levels to children of the deceased guards.
He warned bandits and those causing problems in the area to desist, vowing to ensure that the culprit feel the presence of fortified security 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.