The Babalaje of Ogbomoso, Engineer Muftau Open Salawu, has called for urgent collective action to tackle insecurity and unlock economic potential in Oyo State, describing the killing of five park rangers in Oloka village, Orire Local Government Area, as a tragedy that should not have happened.
Salawu, who is also a Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) made the call in a press statement released on Sunday, following last week’s attack on a National Park Service outpost by suspected bandits.
The attack, which left five park rangers dead, has sent waves of fear through Oloka and neighbouring communities in the Ogbomoso zone of the state.
Describing the incident as “heartbreaking,” he said the loss of lives was avoidable if law and order had been firmly upheld.
“Five deaths are too many. This tragedy could have been avoided. Upholding law and order is key to peace. May the departed souls rest in peace and may God comfort their loved ones,” Salawu said.
He urged government, security agencies and residents to work together to address insecurity and underdevelopment in Orire Local Government Area, noting that the vastness of the council makes it both vulnerable and economically strategic.
“Orire LGA covers about 2,040 square kilometres, which is more than half the size of Lagos State, yet it has a population of less than 250,000. This shows the massive, untapped business and agricultural potential of the area,” he stated.
Salawu said boosting security in Orire was critical to supporting the Oyo State Government’s agribusiness agenda, calling for collective efforts to ensure the success of existing agricultural projects.
He praised Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration for prioritising agribusiness since 2019, citing the Fasola Agribusiness Hub as well as the Ijaye and Eruwa Agribusiness Industrial Hubs.
“The Fasola Agribusiness Hub is already showing results, while the Ijaye and Eruwa hubs are designed to move agriculture from subsistence farming to a commercial and industrial scale. These initiatives will add value to raw agricultural products, reduce post-harvest losses, create jobs and attract investments to areas like Orire,” he said.
On security, the Babalaje warned that Nigeria’s policing structure remains overstretched, especially with the existence of vast ungoverned spaces across the country.
“Government cannot do it all, but its primary responsibility is to create a safe environment for citizens. According to global standards, Nigeria needs over 500,000 police officers for its population of about 235 million, but we currently have only about 371,800,” he noted.
He stressed the need for state and local policing to effectively secure rural and expansive areas like Orire, while commending the Amotekun Corps for filling the gap in the interim.
“With many ungoverned areas across the country, we need state police to handle security more effectively. Until the constitution is amended and state police are fully equipped, Amotekun is doing its best. Citizens must also play their part, see something and say something,” Salawu urged.
