The Oyo State Government has announced a 16-hour curfew across 10 local government areas as part of renewed efforts to address growing security concerns in parts of the state.
Governor Seyi Makinde approved the restriction following recent security challenges, including the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area.
According to a memo issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, the curfew will take effect from Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
The restriction will run from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. and is expected to remain in force for an initial period of 48 hours. It applies to local government areas located around the Old Oyo National Park.
The affected local government areas include:
- Oriire (Headquarters: Ikoyi-Ile)
- Orelope (Headquarters: Igboho)
- Irepo (Headquarters: Kisi)
- Saki West (Headquarters: Saki)
- Saki East (Headquarters: Ago-Amodu)
- Atisbo (Headquarters: Tede/Ago-Are)
- Itesiwaju (Headquarters: Otu)
- Iseyin (Headquarters: Iseyin)
- Olorunsogo (Headquarters: Igbeti)
- Atiba (Headquarters: Offa-Meta, Oyo)
The decision comes after a series of protests across the state over the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area in May.
Speaking during the latest protest held on Monday, National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the demonstration was part of the group’s ongoing campaign to secure the release of those still in captivity.
According to him, the protest “is a continuation of actions the organisation has embarked upon since the abduction of children and teachers” in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State in May.
He added: “We will continue to protest for the release of all abducted victims until they are free. We believe that government officials are in the comfort of their rooms and offices while innocent 46 students and their teachers are languishing in the kidnappers’ den.
“We are demanding freedom for all captives in the North, South, West, and East of Nigeria.”
Sanyaolu also criticised political leaders for focusing on preparations for the 2027 elections while insecurity continues to affect citizens across the country.
“We will not be sitting until 2027. By that time, we won’t even know how many will be alive.
“So that is why we are at the heart of Ibadan in Oyo State, where the abduction took place. The state and federal governments must act, or they will continue to witness mass action,” he added.
The curfew is expected to strengthen security operations in the affected areas while authorities intensify efforts to tackle criminal activities and secure the release of abducted victims.
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