WED JUNE 24 2026-theGBJournal| Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has imposed a 16-hour dusk-to-dawn curfew across 10 local government areas surrounding the Old Oyo National Park following a spate of kidnappings and mounting security concerns, including recent abductions of schoolchildren that have heightened fears among residents.
The state government said the curfew, which runs from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. beginning Wednesday, June 24, will initially remain in force for 48 hours and affects Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo and Atiba local government areas.
The extraordinary measure comes amid growing anxiety over recurring attacks by armed gangs operating in communities bordering the Old Oyo National Park, a vast forest reserve that security officials say has increasingly been exploited by criminal elements as a hideout.
Residents and local leaders have repeatedly raised concerns over deteriorating security conditions in the area, where incidents of kidnapping for ransom have disrupted farming, commerce and education.
The latest restrictions follow a series of abductions in Oyo State and neighbouring regions, including the kidnapping of schoolchildren, which renewed pressure on authorities to tighten security and prevent further attacks.
The incidents have drawn widespread condemnation and revived calls for stronger surveillance of forest corridors and improved coordination among security agencies.
Makinde’s administration said the curfew was aimed at enabling security forces to intensify operations, track criminal elements and restore confidence among residents.
Authorities urged citizens to cooperate with security personnel and comply fully with the temporary restrictions while assuring that additional measures were being implemented to safeguard lives and property.
The decision underscores the growing challenge posed by kidnapping syndicates across Nigeria’s northwest and parts of the southwest, where abductions for ransom have become an increasingly lucrative criminal enterprise despite repeated military and police operations.
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