Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, calls for calm following a deadly bandit attack on the National Park Service office in Oloka Village, Oriire Local Government Area of the state. He assures residents that his administration is taking firm steps to prevent a repeat of the incident.
The governor, in a statement issued on Wednesday, describes the attack as a criminal and devastating act that leads to the death of five National Park Service forest guard officers, Mediaplusng.com reports. He expresses deep condolences to the families of the victims and honours the officers who lose their lives while performing their lawful duties.
Makinde says preliminary findings by security agencies show that the attack is a cross-border operation carried out by armed bandits. He notes that security agencies are already working together to investigate the incident, track the attackers, and strengthen security around the affected axis and border communities.
According to the governor, normalcy is restored in Oloka Village and surrounding areas, with additional security personnel deployed to prevent further threats, Mediaplusng.com notes. He urges residents, especially those in Oriire Local Government Area and other border communities, to remain calm and support security agencies with timely and useful information.
Makinde stresses that intelligence gathering and community cooperation remain critical in addressing security challenges. He appeals to residents to report suspicious movements and activities to security authorities, assuring them that their safety remains a top priority of his administration.
The governor reiterates his government’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Oyo State. He says decisive measures are underway to strengthen surveillance, improve inter-agency collaboration, and block security gaps that criminals exploit along border areas.
He also assures that the state government will continue to support security agencies with logistics and coordination to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. According to him, no effort will be spared to safeguard public institutions and personnel working to protect the nation’s natural resources.
Governor Makinde ends his message by calling for unity and calm, urging residents not to panic as authorities intensify efforts to secure the state and prevent any recurrence of such attacks.
During an inspection tour of ongoing projects in the state, the Executive Director of Finance and Administration of the NDDC, Boma Iyaye, says the commission is prioritising projects that directly impact livelihoods and regional development, Mediaplusng.com reports. He gives the assurance while assessing work on the 4.5-kilometre Nonwa–Uedeme–Ogu Road and major land reclamation projects.
The Nonwa–Uedeme–Ogu Road links Tai and Ogu-Bolo local government areas and provides access to the newly established Federal University of Environment. The road is also expected to serve as an alternative route to the Rivers State NYSC Orientation Camp in Nonwa, easing movement and supporting economic activities across the axis.
Iyaye also inspects large-scale sand filling and land reclamation work in Okochiri community, Okrika Local Government Area, describing the pace of work as satisfactory, Mediaplusng.com notes. He says the project has expanded usable land space, improved the environment, and created opportunities for recreation and development in the ancient coastal town.
Residents and contractors on the sites express optimism that the projects will be delivered on schedule, noting that improved roads and reclaimed land will enhance access, safety, and local commerce.
The NDDC team also visits the ongoing construction of a 1,500-seater civic centre and a community pavilion in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area, projects expected to strengthen social interaction and support community events once completed.
