In the wake of a tragic incident that resulted in the loss of ten lives, the Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all its residents. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, saw unidentified assailants descend upon Gbepakan Village, located in Saki West Local Government Area, claiming the lives of innocent residents and leaving the community in shock and mourning.
Gbepakan Village, a small agrarian community situated more than two hours from Saki Township, has long been known for its peaceful coexistence between its Yoruba and Fulani inhabitants. Over the years, these two groups have lived side by side, working the land and sharing the fruits of their labor without incident. This history of harmony makes the recent violence even more unsettling, raising concerns about the underlying tensions that may have gone unnoticed.
In response to the attack, the Acting Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, made a visit to the grieving community on Saturday. During his visit, he assured residents that the state government is fully committed to protecting lives and property. He emphasized that the administration, under the leadership of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, has made significant investments in the security sector to ensure that all areas, especially those identified as vulnerable, are adequately protected.
“The safety of our people is paramount,” Acting Governor Lawal declared. “We are deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence, and we want to assure the people of Gbepakan and indeed all of Oyo State that we will not rest until the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice. Our administration will continue to do everything within its power to secure our communities and prevent such incidents from happening again.”
The acting governor condemned the attack, which predominantly affected Fulani residents, and reaffirmed the government’s stance on equality and justice for all, regardless of ethnicity or religion. “We are committed to ensuring that no individual or group is oppressed or targeted because of their background,” he stated. “Our government will stand firm in its resolve to protect every citizen and promote peaceful coexistence among all ethnic groups.”
To address the immediate needs of the victims and their families, the state government has promised to provide essential materials and support. This gesture, Lawal noted, is part of a broader effort to foster reconciliation and healing within the community. “We will ensure that the victims receive the care and support they need during this difficult time,” he added. “It is our duty to stand with our people, especially in times of crisis, and we will not shirk that responsibility.”
The Acting Governor also pledged to enhance the presence of security forces in the area, providing them with the necessary logistics and resources to prevent future attacks. This includes collaborating with local communities to identify and address potential threats before they escalate into violence. “Our security agencies are on high alert,” he assured. “We are working closely with them to ensure that such an attack does not happen again. We will do everything possible to make our communities safe.”
Commissioner of Police for Oyo State, Mr. Ayodele Sonubi, had earlier visited Gbepakan Village to assess the situation firsthand. He expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and promised that the police would leave no stone unturned in their investigation. “We are committed to finding those responsible for this attack and ensuring that they face the full weight of the law,” he said. “Our goal is to restore peace and order, and we are taking all necessary steps to achieve that.”
The local government leadership of Saki West, which has jurisdiction over Gbepakan Village, also played a crucial role in coordinating the government’s response. Leading a delegation to the site of the attack, local officials expressed their deep sorrow over the incident and called for a return to the peaceful coexistence that has characterized the area for so long. “This is a sad day for our community,” a local leader remarked. “We must come together, not just to mourn, but to rebuild the trust and harmony that have been the hallmark of our village.”
The recent attack in Gbepakan Village serves as a grim reminder of the challenges that communities face in maintaining peace and security. However, with the government’s renewed commitment to safeguarding its citizens and promoting unity, there is hope that Gbepakan and other vulnerable communities across Oyo State will be protected from future threats. As the investigation continues and the community begins to heal, the state’s resolve to prevent such tragedies in the future remains strong.
