Oyo State government says security operations continue despite lifting restrictions.
The Oyo State Government has lifted the dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed on 10 local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park, following intensified security operations to rescue pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, announced the development in a statement on Saturday, directing residents of the affected areas to resume normal activities while assuring them that security agencies would continue operations aimed at ending the kidnapping crisis.
“The government is closely monitoring the security situation, and efforts are ongoing to bring the kidnapping episode to an end,” Oyelade stated.
The curfew was initially imposed for 48 hours from June 24, running daily from 4pm to 8am across the 10 LGAs surrounding the Old Oyo National Park, before it was extended by another 24 hours. The measure was aimed at supporting ongoing security operations against kidnappers and other criminal elements operating within the area.
Affected Local Government Areas
· Oriire
· Orelope
· Irepo
· Saki West
· Saki East
· Atisbo
· Itesiwaju
· Iseyin
· Olorunsogo
· Atiba
The curfew followed the May 15 attack on three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities in Oriire LGA, where armed men abducted dozens of pupils and teachers in coordinated raids that sparked nationwide concern over worsening insecurity in the South-West.
Since the abduction, the state government, in collaboration with the military, police, NSCDC, Amotekun Corps, and other security agencies, has intensified efforts to rescue the victims. Authorities have repeatedly assured residents that the victims remain a priority and that security operations are ongoing.
