After deadly attack by unknown bandits on a National Park Service (NPS) office in Oloka Village, Orire Local Government Area, Governor Seyi Makinde urged residents to remain calm and assured the public that “no stone will be left unturned” to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The violent incident occurred on Tuesday night, January 6, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen allegedly stormed the facility at around 9:00 p.m., opening fire on park officials. Local eyewitnesses and multiple news reports confirm that at least five NPS personnel were killed during the raid, with others reportedly injured. The full recovery of bodies and verification of casualties is ongoing.
In a statement issued through his office, Governor Makinde described the loss as “devastating” and offered condolences to the families of the fallen officers.
“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,” the statement said.
“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.”
The governor’s statement outlined preliminary findings from security agencies, indicating that the assault was a “cross-border attack carried out by bandits.” Makinde explained that investigators are working with local and federal security operatives to apprehend those responsible and urged cooperation from residents in gathering crucial intelligence.
He also emphasised that normalcy had been restored in the affected area and additional personnel had been deployed to secure communities along the state’s border regions:
“Let me appeal to residents of the state, especially those in Oriire LGA and other LGAs along our borders, to remain calm as the security agencies have restored normalcy and deployed more personnel to the area,” the governor said.
“Our administration will leave no stone unturned to respond decisively to prevent a recurrence of such attacks.”
Confirming the attack, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, told journalists that unidentified gunmen were responsible, prompting the Commissioner of Police and other security chiefs to travel to the site to coordinate the response. Police have deployed tactical units, Mobile Police Force officers, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams to safeguard the area and forestall further violence.
News of the attack has reverberated through Oloka and neighbouring communities, with residents expressing shock over the audacity of the raid and concern over potential future security breaches. While details about the attackers’ motivations and precise origin remain under investigation, the incident adds fresh urgency to ongoing efforts by state and federal authorities to stem banditry and violent crime in rural Nigeria.
As security forces intensify their operations, Governor Makinde has reiterated his administration’s resolve to strengthen protections for public assets and personnel, even as investigations continue and further updates are awaited.
