Makinde Imposes 48-Hour Curfew in 10 Oyo LGAs as Search Intensifies for Abducted Students, Teachers

Makinde Imposes 48-Hour Curfew in 10 Oyo LGAs as Search Intensifies for Abducted Students, Teachers

Governor Seyi Makinde has imposed a 48-hour curfew across 10 local government areas of Oyo State in a renewed effort to strengthen security operations following the abduction of dozens of students and teachers in the state.

The curfew, which takes effect on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, will run daily from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. and is expected to remain in force for an initial period of 48 hours.

The directive was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, and made available to journalists through the Governor's Chief Press Secretary, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju.

The affected councils are Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo and Atiba—all located around the Old Oyo National Park.

The national park has increasingly become a security flashpoint, with intelligence reports indicating that the abducted victims may be held within or around the forested area.

Last month, suspected bandits kidnapped 39 students and seven teachers from communities in Oriire Local Government Area, triggering widespread concern over deteriorating security in the area.

The state government said the temporary restriction on movement is aimed at supporting ongoing security operations and facilitating efforts to secure the safe rescue of the victims.

Residents of the affected local government areas have been urged to comply fully with the directive and cooperate with security agencies throughout the period of the curfew.