The Oyo State Government has imposed a 16-hour curfew across 10 local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park as security agencies intensify efforts to rescue dozens of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The curfew, approved by Governor Seyi Makinde, takes 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 the state government, the restriction affects Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo and Atiba local government areas, all of which share proximity to the Old Oyo National Park.
The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, said the measure was designed to strengthen ongoing security operations and assist law enforcement agencies in their efforts to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities in communities surrounding the park.
Residents of the affected areas have been urged to comply fully with the directive and cooperate with security personnel conducting operations across the forest corridors and adjoining communities.
The curfew comes amid heightened tension following the May 15 abduction of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area. The victims are believed to be held within forest areas linked to the Old Oyo National Park.
Security agencies have reportedly intensified search-and-rescue operations in the area, with military personnel and other security operatives mounting surveillance and blocking suspected escape routes used by criminal gangs operating within the vast forest belt.
The development follows sustained protests by parents, teachers and civil society groups demanding the release of the abducted pupils and teachers, while calling for stronger measures to address insecurity in the state.
The Old Oyo National Park and surrounding forests have increasingly attracted security concerns in recent years, with reports of kidnappings and attacks linked to criminal elements exploiting the expansive terrain.
Security experts have repeatedly warned that the forest corridors connecting parts of Oyo, Kwara and Niger states provide safe havens for armed groups.
The Oyo State Government expressed confidence that the temporary restrictions will support ongoing operations and enhance efforts to restore peace and security across the affected communities.
