In a decisive move to address rising insecurity, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved the imposition of a 16-hour curfew across 10 local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park.
According to a memo issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, the curfew will run from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. daily, beginning Wednesday, June 24, 2026. The measure will initially last for 48 hours, subject to further review.
The affected local government areas include:
- Oriire (Ikoyi-Ile)
- Orelope (Igboho)
- Irepo (Kisi)
- Saki West (Saki)
- Saki East (Ago-Amodu)
- Atisbo (Tede/Ago-Are)
- Itesiwaju (Otu)
- Iseyin (Iseyin)
- Olorunsogo (Igbeti)
- Atiba (Offa-Meta, Oyo)
Governor Makinde announced the curfew following a series of protests sparked by the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Orire Local Government Area in May. During his visit to Ahoro, Esiele, and Yawota communities, the governor met with families of the victims, assuring them of intensified efforts to secure their release.
Civil society groups have continued to mount pressure on the government. At a protest held in Ibadan on Monday, National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, reiterated the group’s demand for the immediate release of all abducted victims. He described the demonstration as part of sustained actions since the May incident, vowing that protests would continue until the captives regain their freedom.
Sanyaolu criticized political leaders for prioritizing preparations for the 2027 elections while insecurity persists nationwide. He warned that unless urgent steps are taken, mass action will intensify across the country.
“We will continue to protest for the release of all abducted victims until they are free. Government officials may be in the comfort of their rooms and offices, but innocent students and teachers remain in kidnappers’ dens. We demand freedom for all captives across Nigeria,” he declared.
