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The Oyo State Government has imposed a 16-hour curfew in 10 local government areas bordering the old Oyo National Park as part of efforts to tackle insecurity and intensify the search for abducted schoolchildren and teachers.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Secretary to the State Government, Musibau Babatunde, said the curfew would take effect on Wednesday and run from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. for an initial period of two days.
Oyo State Government Declares 16-hour Curfew in 10 Local Government Areas
Governor Seyi Makinde, has approved the declaration of a 16-hour curfew in 10 local government areas of Oyo State.
According to a memo issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau… pic.twitter.com/HWUBsOIwzo
— Oyo State Government (@oyostategovt) June 23, 2026
The affected local government areas are Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo and Atiba.
The government said the measure was to address growing security challenges in the area and support ongoing efforts to rescue 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers abducted on May 15.
Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier disclosed on June 12 that intelligence suggested the victims were still being held within the old Oyo National Park.
According to the governor, the park spans about 2,500 square kilometres across parts of the affected local government areas, making rescue operations particularly challenging due to its vast size and difficult terrain. He noted that security agencies were adopting a coordinated and strategic approach to secure the release of the victims.
“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 reports claiming the abducted pupils and teachers were transported to Kaduna State by helicopter.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the command described the report, which circulated in a viral video, as false, misleading and lacking any factual basis.
The police, however, did not confirm the current location of the abductees.
