The Oyo State Government has imposed a temporary curfew across 10 local government areas as part of efforts to address rising security concerns linked to the abduction of dozens of students and teachers in the state.
The restriction, which takes effect on Wednesday, will run daily from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. and is expected to remain in place for an initial period of 48 hours.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, the affected local government areas are Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo and Atiba.
The government said the measure targets communities surrounding the Old Oyo National Park, where victims of the May 15 attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area are believed to be held captive.
During the attack, 46 people — including 39 pupils and seven teachers — were reportedly kidnapped from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele.
“The curfew is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping and other security challenges in communities located around the Old Oyo National Park,” the statement added.
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Residents in the affected areas were urged to obey the directive as security agencies intensify operations aimed at restoring order and protecting lives and property.
The attack claimed the life of a teacher, Joel Adesiyan, on the day it occurred. Another hostage, Michael Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher, was later killed in captivity. A video circulated online by the kidnappers reportedly showed his beheading.
In response to the incident, the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, announced the deployment of special forces, drones and surveillance aircraft to support rescue efforts in Oyo State.
President Bola Tinubu also approved the deployment of 1,000 forest guards to complement the work of security agencies and local hunters.
Recent updates on the operation indicate that military personnel have taken control of key exit routes leading out of the Old Oyo National Park, which stretches across several local government areas in the state.