Governor Seyi Makinde orders immediate restrictions in communities bordering Old Oyo National Park amid growing outrage over the fate of kidnapped pupils and teachers…..
The Oyo State Government has announced a 16-hour curfew across 10 local government areas in a fresh move aimed at strengthening security efforts and tackling the rising threat of kidnapping in parts of the state.
The restriction, approved by Governor Seyi Makinde, will take effect from Wednesday, June 24, 2026, and will run daily from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. for an initial period of 48 hours.
According to a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Musibau Babatunde, the curfew affects local government areas situated around the Old Oyo National Park, a region that has recently come under increased security scrutiny.
The affected councils include Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo and Atiba local government areas.
The latest security measure comes against the backdrop of public anger over the abduction of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area earlier this year. The incident triggered widespread concern across the state and sparked a series of demonstrations demanding urgent government action.
On Monday, protesters once again took to the streets, insisting that authorities intensify efforts to secure the release of the victims. The demonstration was led by civil society groups and activists who accused both state and federal authorities of not doing enough to end the ordeal of those still in captivity.
Speaking during the protest, National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, described the rally as part of an ongoing campaign to keep public attention on the abducted pupils and teachers.
He maintained that the group would continue mobilising citizens until all captives regain their freedom, arguing that many families have been left in anguish while their loved ones remain in the hands of kidnappers.
Sanyaolu also took aim at political leaders, warning against what he described as an excessive focus on the 2027 election cycle while insecurity continues to threaten communities across the country.
According to him, Nigerians cannot afford to wait for another election season before decisive action is taken against kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The curfew announcement follows earlier comments by Governor Makinde linking the whereabouts of some abducted victims to areas within the Old Oyo National Park, a development that heightened calls for stronger security operations around the reserve and neighbouring communities.
Residents in the affected local government areas are expected to comply fully with the temporary restrictions as security agencies intensify operations aimed at restoring safety and preventing further attacks.
