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Engineer Muftau Open Salawu, Ogbomoso’s Babalaje, Advocates Unified Effort to Tackle Security Issues in Oyo State
Engineer Muftau Open Salawu, a respected Babalaje of Ogbomoso and influential figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has made a passionate call for a collective and immediate response to the rising insecurity challenges facing Oyo State. He highlighted the recent tragic killing of five park rangers in Oloka village, situated in the Orire Local Government Area, as a heartbreaking event that must never be repeated.
Security Breach at National Park Emphasizes Need for Urgent Reforms
The violent assault on the National Park Service station, reportedly executed by armed criminals, has deeply unsettled the local community and exposed the fragility of frontline security personnel. In a statement issued on Sunday, Salawu condemned the attack and urged for enhanced security protocols to protect both residents and the state’s natural heritage.
Peace as a Catalyst for Oyo State’s Economic Growth
Engineer Salawu connected the restoration of security to the broader economic goals of Oyo State, especially its thriving agribusiness sector. He pointed out that ongoing insecurity discourages investors, disrupts farming activities, and impedes the state’s overall development. Recent figures from the National Bureau of Statistics reveal that agriculture accounts for nearly 25% of Oyo State’s GDP, underscoring the necessity of a secure environment to maintain this crucial economic pillar.
Encouraging Synergy Among Government, Communities, and Security Agencies
Salawu called on all stakeholders-including government bodies, traditional leaders, security operatives, and local communities-to collaborate on a robust strategy to eradicate banditry and criminality. Citing effective community policing initiatives in neighboring regions, he recommended boosting intelligence cooperation, fostering community involvement, and investing in advanced security technologies.
Future Outlook: Enhancing Security to Support Agribusiness Expansion in Oyo
As Oyo State advances its agribusiness development agenda, the Babalaje emphasized that sustainable progress depends on establishing a secure and stable environment. He urged policymakers to prioritize comprehensive security reforms and ensure sufficient funding to safeguard lives and economic resources, thereby preventing incidents like the Oloka attack from recurring.
