The Oyo State Government, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, has imposed a curfew across 10 local government areas surrounding the Old Oyo National Park as security agencies intensify efforts to rescue 46 people abducted during a school attack in Oriire Local Government Area.
The curfew, which runs from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m., takes effect on Wednesday and will remain in place for an initial 48-hour period, according to the state government.
Announcing the directive, Commissioner for Information Dotun Oyelade said the measure forms part of ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other security threats in communities located around the national park, where the victims are believed to be held.
The affected local government areas are Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo and Atiba.
“The curfew is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping and other security challenges in communities located around the Old Oyo National Park,” Oyelade said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
The security measure follows the May 15 attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, during which 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted.
The victims were taken from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in one of the most disturbing school abductions recorded in the state in recent years.
The crisis has also claimed lives. Teacher Joel Adesiyan was reportedly killed during the attack, while another hostage, Mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun, was later beheaded in captivity.
A video allegedly released by the captors circulated widely on social media, deepening public concern and calls for urgent action.
In response, the Federal Government and security agencies have expanded operations across the region.
Chief of Defence Staff Olufemi Oluyede previously announced the deployment of special forces, drones and surveillance aircraft to support rescue efforts.
President Bola Tinubu also authorised the deployment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security operations and assist local hunters and security personnel working in the area.
Recent reports indicate that military troops have established positions along key exit routes leading from the Old Oyo National Park, a vast forested area that stretches across several local government areas and has increasingly become a security concern for surrounding communities.
The latest curfew underscores the growing urgency of efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims and dismantle criminal networks operating within the region.
Authorities have urged residents to comply fully with the restrictions and cooperate with security agencies as operations continue.
While the temporary movement restrictions may disrupt daily activities, state officials insist the measure is necessary to create a safer environment and improve the effectiveness of ongoing rescue missions.
The Oyo State Government said further decisions on the curfew would be based on security assessments and developments from operations currently underway.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
