Oyo State Imposes 16-Hour Curfew Across 10 LGAs Amid Kidnapping Crisis

Juliet Oladele, Reporting 

IBADAN — The Oyo State Government has declared a 16-hour curfew across ten local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park, as authorities intensify efforts to combat rising insecurity and secure the release of dozens of abducted schoolchildren and teachers.

Governor Seyi Makinde approved the measure on Tuesday, with the restriction taking effect from Wednesday, June 24, 2026. According to a memo issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, the curfew will run daily from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. 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. Residents have been urged to comply with the directive and cooperate with security agencies during the restriction period.

The development follows widespread outrage over the abduction of 39 students and seven teachers in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15. The coordinated attacks targeted Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School. Governor Makinde had previously stated on June 12 that the abductees were still being held within the Old Oyo National Park — a vast expanse of approximately 2,500 square kilometres spanning the ten affected LGAs. He acknowledged that the park’s size and difficult terrain pose significant operational challenges for security personnel.

The crisis has sparked a series of protests across the state, with civil society groups demanding immediate action. During a demonstration on Monday, protesters blocked major roads in Ibadan, including the busy Iwo Road interchange. National Coordinator Juwon Sanyaolu vowed that demonstrations would continue until all victims are freed, criticising political leaders for focusing on preparations for the 2027 elections while insecurity threatens the lives of Nigerians.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has also directed teachers in public schools to begin an indefinite strike, citing fears over safety and the increasing risks faced by educators and learners.

The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed reports that the abducted victims had been moved to Kaduna State, describing such claims as “entirely false, unverified, misleading, and devoid of any factual basis”. Authorities have not confirmed whether the abductees remain within the national park.

The curfew is expected to restrict movement during vulnerable hours while security agencies carry out coordinated operations aimed at tracking down the abductors and securing the release of those still being held captive. The situation will be reviewed after the initial 48-hour period, with further directives to be issued as necessary.