The Oyo State Government has announced a 16-hour curfew in 10 local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park as part of efforts to tackle growing security threats in the area.
The curfew, which takes effect on Wednesday, will run daily from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. and is expected to last for an initial period of 48 hours.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the restriction was approved to strengthen security operations in communities surrounding the national park, where dozens of abducted pupils and teachers are believed to be held.
The affected local government areas are Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo and Atiba.
According to the statement, “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 government urged residents in the affected areas to cooperate with security agencies and comply fully with the directive.
“We appeal to all residents of the affected local government areas to observe the curfew and support ongoing security operations aimed at restoring peace and protecting lives and property,” the statement added.
The curfew comes amid efforts to rescue dozens of pupils and teachers abducted during an attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.
Reports indicate that 46 victims, including 39 pupils and seven teachers, were taken away by gunmen during the incident.
The attack claimed the life of a teacher, Joel Adesiyan, while another victim, mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed while in captivity.
In response to the security situation, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, recently announced the deployment of special forces, surveillance drones and intelligence aircraft to support rescue operations in the area.
President Bola Tinubu had also approved the deployment of 1,000 forest guards to complement the efforts of security agencies and local hunters operating around the park.
Security sources said troops have intensified operations and established strategic positions along routes leading into the expansive Old Oyo National Park as efforts continue to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
