The Vice-Principal of Community Grammar School, Olokoto, in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Oyegun Sangotoye, has said that the Old Oyo National Park and the surrounding bushes have served as a haven for criminals for many years.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that Sangotoye said the forest reserve in Oriire bordered Olounsogo, Irepo and Oorelope local government areas, making it a vast and difficult terrain to secure.
He spoke with Saturday Punch while reacting to concerns over rising insecurity in parts of the South-West.
According to him, the forest reserve was acquired by the government in 1976 during the military administration of the late Gen. Murtala Muhammed.
He said, “It is a forest reserve acquired by the government since 1976. The landmass stretches over 70 kilometres in length, breadth and diagonal.
“It was acquired by the military administration of the late Gen. Murtala Muhammed before February 13, 1976. It harbours crimes and criminality. It ends at Oriire Local Government.”
Sangotoye said that restrictions on hunting and farming activities inside the park had made it easier for criminals to hide there.
According to Sangotoye, “The problem is that hunters are not allowed to hunt there, and farming is also prohibited. This allows criminals to hide and strategise for their heinous acts.
“The restriction has made the forest deadly.”
The vice-principal urged the state and Federal Governments to reconsider the use of the reserve because of current security realities.
Sangotoye added, “My advice to the state and Federal Governments is to open up the area for residential or farming purposes.
“The government should dispose of it by allowing people to build houses, farm or establish tertiary institutions there.
“It is good to preserve forest reserves as heritage for future generations, but with the current insecurity, the government should allow farming activities there or dispose of them.”