The Oyo State Government has extended the 24-hour curfew imposed on 10 local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park as security agencies continue efforts to rescue schoolchildren and teachers abducted during a recent attack.
Governor Seyi Makinde approved the extension to strengthen ongoing military and police operations in the affected communities. The curfew, which runs daily from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., will remain in force until Saturday, June 27, 2026.
The security measure follows a deadly attack on schools in the Oriire area, where armed bandits reportedly killed a teacher and abducted several pupils and education workers. Joint security forces have since launched intensive search-and-rescue operations within the forest surrounding the Old Oyo National Park.
According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, and made public by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the curfew is aimed at restricting civilian movement to enable security operatives to carry out tactical operations without interference.
The state government stressed that the temporary restriction is necessary to enhance public safety and increase the chances of securing the safe release of the kidnapped victims.
Governor Makinde reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deploying every available resource, including collaboration with local vigilante groups and licensed hunters, to ensure the criminals are apprehended and the victims rescued.
The Federal Government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has also pledged full support for the ongoing rescue mission.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command has urged residents to disregard unverified reports circulating on social media regarding the rescue operation, assuring the public that official updates will be released as soon as there are confirmed developments.
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