Oyo imposes 16-hour curfew in 10 LGAs bordering old Oyo national park
The Oyo State Government has imposed a 16-hour curfew in 10 local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park as part of efforts to tackle insecurity and intensify the rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers.
The Secretary to the State Government, Musibau Babatunde, announced the directive in a statement issued on Tuesday, noting that the curfew will take effect from Wednesday and initially last for two days.
Under the restriction, residents of the affected areas will remain indoors from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily.
The local government areas affected are Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo, and Atiba.
According to the government, the measure is aimed at curbing rising security threats in the region and supporting ongoing operations to rescue 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers kidnapped on May 15.
Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier disclosed on June 12 that intelligence reports indicated the victims were still being held within the Old Oyo National Park.
He explained that the park spans about 2,500 square kilometres across parts of the affected local government areas, making rescue efforts difficult because of its vast and rugged terrain.
“The size and difficult terrain of the area pose significant operational challenges for security personnel, requiring patience, strategic coordination, and sustained efforts to ensure a successful rescue operation,” the governor said.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media that the abducted victims had been transported to Kaduna State by helicopter.
The command described the claim as false, misleading and lacking any factual basis, but did not confirm whether the victims remain within the national park.
