Oyo Lifts Curfew in 10 LGAs Following Kidnapping Crisis

Juliet Oladele, Reporting 

THE Oyo State Government has formally lifted the curfew imposed on ten local government areas, after a week of heightened security measures triggered by the abduction of 45 pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

In a statement released, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, confirmed that residents may now resume their normal activities.

The government expressed its appreciation for the “understanding and co-operation” shown by communities during the restriction period.

The curfew, which initially ran for 16 hours daily, was extended by an additional 24 hours on Thursday before being fully revoked.

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

The abduction took place on 15 May, when heavily armed gunmen stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele community. Among those taken were children and teaching staff.

Tragically, days later, one of the abducted teachers – reportedly a mathematics instructor – was killed by the attackers.

Prince Oyelade assured residents that security agencies are maintaining close surveillance of the affected areas and that “efforts are ongoing to bring the kidnapping incident to a conclusive end”.

He did not, however, disclose whether any of the remaining hostages have been rescued.

The decision to lift the curfew comes as normalcy gradually returns to the region, though many families continue to await news of their loved ones.

The Oyo State Government has urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.