OYO GOVT DECLARES 16-HOUR CURFEW IN 10 LGAs

OYO GOVT DECLARES 16-HOUR CURFEW IN 10 LGAs

The Oyo State Government has declared a 16-hour curfew in 10 local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park as security agencies intensify efforts to rescue abducted schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area.According to a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, and approved by Governor Seyi Makinde, the curfew takes effect from Wednesday and will run daily from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. for an initial period of 48 hours. The restriction affects 10 local government areas surrounding the Old Oyo National Park, namely Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo and Atiba. The government said the measure is aimed at strengthening security operations and restoring order in communities vulnerable to criminal activities. The development followed a series of protests that rocked the state over the abduction of children and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area in May. Civil society groups and residents have repeatedly taken to the streets, demanding urgent action to secure the release of the victims. Speaking during a recent protest, activist Juwon Sanyaolu said the demonstrations were part of ongoing efforts to pressure authorities into intensifying rescue operations and ensuring the safe return of those still in captivity. The abduction occurred on May 15 when armed gunmen attacked schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, kidnapping dozens of pupils, teachers and school officials. The attackers reportedly killed a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, before fleeing into forest areas around the national park. Since the incident, security forces have conducted extensive search-and-rescue operations across forests and remote settlements surrounding the park. Governor Makinde recently disclosed that a Nigerian Army lieutenant was killed during one of the rescue missions, underscoring the risks faced by security personnel involved in

Authorities urged residents of the affected local government areas to comply fully with the curfew and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to track down the abductors and secure the release of the victims.The Old Oyo National Park and its surrounding forests have increasingly come under scrutiny over their use as hideouts by criminal groups involved in kidnapping and other violent crimes, prompting renewed calls for stronger security measures in the region.