Ashipa of Ogbomosoland Urges Vigilance and Regional Security Funding Following Park Attack

The recent deadly assault on park rangers at Oloka Village, near the Old Oyo National Park, has drawn a strong reaction from the traditional institution, with the Ashipa of Ogbomosoland, Barrister Olusegun Adekunle (OON, KJW), calling for a paradigm shift in the community's approach to security. In a formal statement released to the press, the high-ranking chief described the killing of the officers in the line of duty as "painful and disturbing." He noted that the incident has sent shockwaves through Ogbomosoland and its neighboring communities, disrupting the peace of an area that is heavily reliant on agriculture. The Ashipa emphasized that the attack is a stark reminder of the persistent threats lurking within the vast, ungoverned forest reserves that border the state, urging residents not to succumb to fear but to respond with heightened vigilance.

Barrister Adekunle’s intervention goes beyond mere condemnation; it is a strategic call to action for both the populace and the government. He stressed that security can no longer be viewed solely as the preserve of uniformed personnel. Instead, he advocated for "community ownership" of security, where farmers, hunters, and local residents become active participants in the intelligence-gathering network. He urged the people of Ogbomoso to promptly report any suspicious movements or individuals to the authorities, warning that silence or indifference could inadvertently aid the criminal elements seeking to destabilize the region. This call for grassroots intelligence is seen as critical in a terrain where bandits often exploit the local geography to evade conventional security forces.

While acknowledging the "good but difficult task" being performed by security agencies, the Ashipa commended their sacrifices in operating under hazardous conditions. He observed that there has been a noticeable increase in security presence and surveillance in the area since the attack, a move he described as a positive step. However, he argued that for these efforts to be sustainable, they must be backed by greater public support and cooperation. The traditional chief posited that the relationship between the community and the security forces must be one of trust and mutual reliance, where information flows seamlessly to preempt attacks rather than just reacting to them.

Situating the incident within the broader geopolitical context, Barrister Adekunle highlighted the strategic vulnerability of Ogbomosoland, which shares a porous border with Kwara State. He noted that this axis has become a corridor for security-related incidents, making cross-border collaboration imperative. To address this, he called for the operationalization of the regional security fund established by South-West governors. He argued that this fund is essential for strengthening intelligence sharing, logistics, and coordinated responses across state lines. According to him, sustained funding and transparent utilization of this initiative are critical to checking the activities of criminals who often exploit jurisdictional boundaries to escape justice.

Furthermore, the Ashipa drew attention to the role of the South-West Development Commission (SWDC) in complementing hard security measures with soft power. He stressed that enhancing security at the grassroots level is fundamental to boosting economic activities, particularly farming, which serves as the economic backbone of the rural communities in Ogbomoso. If farmers are too afraid to go to their fields, he warned, the resulting food insecurity and economic paralysis would only deepen the crisis. Therefore, he viewed the security of the National Park not just as an environmental concern, but as an economic imperative for the entire region.

Barrister Adekunle also reserved praise for the traditional rulers across the five local government areas of Ogbomosoland. He acknowledged their stabilizing roles in their respective domains and called for stronger collaboration among them. He urged the royal fathers to use their influence to mobilize their subjects, deepen grassroots intelligence networks, and promote peace. The Ashipa believes that traditional institutions, being closer to the people, possess the unique ability to detect early warning signs of insecurity and can act as effective conduits for information to the formal security apparatus.

In concluding his statement, the Ashipa offered prayers for the repose of the souls of the fallen park rangers, describing them as heroes who paid the ultimate price for the nation. He extended his condolences to their families and the National Park Service, expressing the hope that their sacrifice would not be in vain but would inspire a renewed collective action against insecurity. His message serves as a rallying cry for unity, reminding all stakeholders that the fight against banditry is a shared burden that requires the combined efforts of the government, traditional institutions, and the ordinary citizen to win.