Oyo Government Imposes Curfew in 10 LGAs Around Old Oyo National Park Over Rising Insecurity

The Oyo State Government has announced a 16-hour curfew across 10 local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park as part of intensified efforts to combat kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities in the region. The security measure comes amid ongoing operations to rescue schoolchildren and teachers abducted by gunmen in communities within the Oriire axis of the state.

According to a directive approved by Governor Seyi Makinde and conveyed through the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, the curfew will take effect from Wednesday, June 24, 2026. The restriction, which will run from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. daily, is expected to remain in force for an initial period of 48 hours.

The affected local government areas are Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo and Atiba. Authorities said the measure is designed to support ongoing security operations and deny criminal elements freedom of movement within and around the vast forest corridors linked to the national park.

Government officials noted that criminal gangs have increasingly exploited forest reserves surrounding the Old Oyo National Park as hideouts, making the area a focal point of security concerns. Residents have been urged to comply fully with the curfew and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to restore peace and protect lives and property.

The latest action is closely tied to the abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers from schools in communities including Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle in Oriire Local Government Area in May. Security agencies believe the abductors are operating within the Old Oyo National Park axis, where rescue efforts have been ongoing for weeks. Governor Makinde recently disclosed that the victims were still being held within the park area as security forces intensified operations to secure their release.

Prior to the curfew declaration, the state government had introduced additional security measures, including restrictions on nighttime commercial motorcycle operations and new regulations aimed at strengthening local security coordination across Oyo State. Officials say the latest curfew is part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal networks and improve safety in affected communities.

Residents in the affected local government areas have been advised to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to the movement restrictions while security agencies carry out operations aimed at flushing out criminal elements from the region.