Governor Seyi Makinde has called for immediate calm across Oyo State following a deadly “cross-border” attack by bandits that claimed the lives of five personnel of the National Park Service (NPS).
The attack occurred late Tuesday night, at the National Park Office located in Oloka Village, within the Oriire Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the governor described the incident as a “devastating loss” of officers who were killed while performing their lawful duties to protect the state’s natural resources.
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Preliminary investigations by security agencies suggest that the assailants were bandits who crossed the state borders to launch the assault.
The gunmen reportedly stormed the facility around 9:00 p.m., opening fire on the forest guards on duty.
The governor confirmed that security agencies have already been mobilised to the area to restore order and begin a manhunt for the perpetrators.
“This is a devastating loss of the lives of personnel in the course of carrying out their lawful duties. May their souls rest in peace,” Makinde stated.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that this was a cross-border attack carried out by bandits.”
Makinde assured residents, particularly those in Oriire LGA and other border communities, that normalcy has been restored.
He noted that additional security forces have been dispatched to fortify the Oloka axis.
He urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and provide any credible information regarding suspicious movements.
Makinde vowed that his administration will”leave no stone unturned” to prevent a recurrence of such violent incursions.
The attack on the Oloka office highlights the growing security challenges facing forest reserves in the Southwest.
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Just last year, Makinde warned that bandits fleeing military pressure in the Northwest were attempting to set up hideouts in Oyo’s vast forest corridors.
The Oyo State Police Command, through PPRO Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed that tactical teams, including the Mobile Police Force and the EOD unit, are currently working alongside the Commissioner of Police to stabilise the surrounding forest area and recover the bodies of the fallen heroes.
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