Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has approved a 16-hour curfew across 10 local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park as authorities intensify their efforts to address the growing insecurity in the region. The directive comes amid ongoing operations linked to the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in parts of the state.
According to a statement issued by the Secretary of the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, the curfew will take effect from Wednesday, June 24, 202, and run daily from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. for an initial period of 48 hours. Authorities say this focuses on strengthening security operations and protecting lives and property in affected communities.
The affected local government areas are Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo, and Atiba. Most of these areas share boundaries with the expansive Old Oyo National Park, which security agencies believe has become a key operational zone in ongoing rescue and anti-crime efforts.
The decision comes after the high concerns of insecurity in the area, especially after the abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. Governor Makinde previously stated that the victims were being held within a vast forested terrain of the national park.
Residents have been urged to comply fully with the restrictions and cooperate with security personnel deployed to enforce the curfew. The state government said the security situation will be reviewed after the initial 48-hour period, with further directives to be communicated as necessary.
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