Oyo Govt Declares 16-Hour Curfew In 10 LGAs Bordering National Park

The Oyo State Government has imposed a 16-hour curfew across 10 local government areas located around the Old Oyo National Park as part of efforts to tackle growing security concerns in the region.

The announcement was made in a memo issued on Tuesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Musibau Babatunde.

The curfew will begin on Wednesday and will run daily from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.

According to the government, the restriction will initially remain in place for two days.

The affected local government areas are Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo, and Atiba.

The move is part of ongoing efforts to improve security in the area and support the rescue operation for 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers who were kidnapped on May 15.

Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier revealed on June 12 that the victims were believed to still be inside the Old Oyo National Park.

He explained that the park covers about 2,500 square kilometres and stretches across parts of the 10 affected local government areas, making rescue efforts more difficult.

“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 claims that the kidnapped children and teachers were flown to Kaduna State by helicopter.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the police described the report, which circulated in a video, as false, misleading, and lacking any verified evidence.

“The Command wishes to categorically state that the content of the said video is entirely false, unverified, misleading, and devoid of any factual basis,” the police said.

However, the police did not confirm whether the abducted victims are still being held within the national park.

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