Aare Olayinka Segelu Mourns Oyo Park Attack Victims, Calls For Secured South-West
KEHINDE AKINPELU, ILORIN
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and governorship hopeful for the 2027 election in Oyo State, Aare Olayinka Segelu, has mourned the victims of the recent deadly attack on the Old Oyo National Park, calling for a coordinated and robust security framework to safeguard the South-West against rising insecurity.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Aare Segelu described the attack as “deeply distressing and unacceptable,” noting that the killing of security personnel at a federal conservation facility highlights the urgent need for proactive, intelligence-driven, and collaborative security responses across the region.
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Recall that suspected bandits last week attacked a National Park Service outpost at Oloka village in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, killing several park rangers and triggering fear among residents of neighbouring communities.
The PDP chieftain said the incident was not only a tragedy for the victims’ families but also a direct assault on the peace, heritage, and collective security of Oyo State and the South-West at large.
“This tragedy is one too many. It reminds us that insecurity is no longer a distant threat but one that has crept dangerously close to our communities, forests, and national assets,” Segelu said.
He charged South-West Governors, Security Agencies, and political leaders across the South-West to strengthen intelligence sharing, enhance border surveillance, and deepen inter-state collaboration to prevent criminal elements from exploiting forest reserves and national parks as safe havens.
Aare Segelu also urged the Federal Government to urgently review and reinforce the security architecture around national parks, stressing that poorly protected conservation areas have increasingly become vulnerable targets and transit routes for armed groups.
While commiserating with the families of the slain park officials, he called for adequate compensation, support, and long-term welfare packages for them, emphasizing that those who paid the supreme price in service to the nation must not be forgotten.
“As leaders and aspirants, we must not play politics with security. The protection of lives and property must remain a shared responsibility beyond party lines,” he added.
Aare Segelu further expressed solidarity with the Oyo State Government and the people of Orire Local Government Area, reaffirming that his commitment to public service is firmly anchored on building safer communities, inclusive governance, and sustainable development.
He concluded by urging citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies, noting that collective responsibility and timely information sharing are critical to restoring peace and confidence across Oyo State and the wider South-West.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JANUARY 12TH 2026)
