Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State, says that the attack on officers of the National Park Service in Oloka village, Oriire local government area, was carried out by cross-border bandits.
The governor, in a message shared on X on Tuesday, condemned the incident, describing it as both a criminal act and a tragic loss.
He wrote that “earlier today, there was a criminal attack by bandits at the National Park Office, Oloka Village which resulted in the death of five National Park Service Forest Guard Officers.”
Makinde added that the situation represented “a devastating loss of the lives of personnel in the course of carrying out their lawful duties.”
He disclosed that preliminary intelligence gathered by security operatives suggested that the attackers infiltrated Oyo state from neighbouring territories to launch the deadly operation.
The governor explained that security agencies were collaborating and taking coordinated steps to respond to the development and ensure public safety.
He appealed to residents to support security personnel by staying calm and cooperating with ongoing operations.
Makinde urged citizens in Oriire local government area and other border communities not to panic, assuring them of enhanced protection.
He stated that “the security agencies have restored normalcy and deployed more personnel to the area.”
The governor stressed that his administration “will leave no stone unturned to respond decisively to prevent a recurrence of such attacks.”