The Oyo State Government has declared a 16-hour curfew across 10 local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park following the abduction of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. The curfew, approved by Governor Seyi Makinde, takes effect from Wednesday and will run from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. daily for an initial period of 48 hours.
According to a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, the restriction affects Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo, and Atiba local government areas. Authorities said the measure is aimed at strengthening security operations in communities surrounding the expansive forest reserve.
The government linked the decision to ongoing efforts to rescue schoolchildren and teachers abducted during attacks on schools in the Oriire axis. Intelligence reports indicate that the victims are being held within the Old Oyo National Park corridor, a vast forest area spanning approximately 2,500 square kilometres across several local government areas in the state.
Officials explained that the park’s difficult terrain has complicated rescue operations, prompting intensified deployment of security personnel and surveillance measures. The curfew is expected to limit the movement of suspected criminal elements believed to be using the forest as a hideout while allowing security agencies to conduct coordinated operations.
Residents of the affected areas have been urged to comply fully with the directive and cooperate with law enforcement agencies. The state government assured citizens that every available resource is being deployed to secure the safe release of the abducted victims and restore normalcy to the affected communities.
The latest measure comes amid growing public concern over the continued captivity of the schoolchildren and teachers, with authorities insisting that efforts to rescue them remain a top priority.
