Oyo Crisis: Governor Makinde Imposes Curfew Over Mass Abduction of Students, Teachers
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has imposed a 16-hour curfew in ten local government areas surrounding the Old Oyo National Park. This action follows the kidnapping of 39 students and seven teachers by bandits, believed to be held within the park. The curfew, effective June 24, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., aims to bolster security.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has officially declared a 16-hour curfew across ten specific local government areas within the state, effective from Wednesday, June 24, 2026. This decisive measure was taken in response to escalating security concerns, particularly those linked to the Old Oyo National Park, which has unfortunately become a focal point of bandit activities.
Residents have voiced significant apprehension regarding the Old Oyo National Park, especially after a recent, distressing incident. Sources indicate that the park is currently being used as a hideout by bandits holding 39 students and seven teachers captive. These individuals were tragically kidnapped last month from various communities situated within the Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The declaration of the curfew was formally announced on Tuesday through a statement released by Professor Musibau Babatunde, the Secretary to the Oyo State Government. The statement was subsequently made available to the public via Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, on Tuesday evening. The curfew is scheduled to commence daily from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., running for an initial period of 48 hours.
The ten local government areas affected by this curfew are strategically chosen due to their proximity to the Old Oyo National Park. They include:
- Oriire (Headquarters: Ikoyi-Ile)
- Orelope (Headquarters: Igboho)
- Irepo (Headquarters: Kisi)
- Saki West (Headquarters: Saki)
- Saki East (Headquarters: Ago-Amodu)
- Atisbo (Headquarters: Tede/Ago-Are)
- Itesiwaju (Headquarters: Otu)
- Iseyin (Headquarters: Iseyin)
- Olorunsogo (Headquarters: Igbeti)
- Atiba (Headquarters: Offa-Meta, Oyo)
This measure underscores the state government's commitment to enhancing security and addressing the banditry issues that have recently plagued these communities, particularly those surrounding the Old Oyo National Park, and to facilitate efforts towards the safe rescue of the kidnapped individuals.