Oyo Govt Lifts Security Curfew as Rescue Efforts for Abducted Pupils Continue
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.
The development was announced in a statement issued on Saturday by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade.
The government directed residents of the affected local government areas to resume their normal activities, assuring them that security agencies would continue operations aimed at tackling the kidnapping crisis.
“The government is closely monitoring the security situation, and efforts are ongoing to bring the kidnapping episode to an end,” Oyelade said.
The curfew was initially imposed for 48 hours from June 24, running daily from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. across the 10 local government areas surrounding the Old Oyo National Park. It was later extended by an additional 24 hours.
According to the government, the restriction was introduced to support ongoing security operations targeting kidnappers and other criminal elements operating within the area.
The affected local government areas are Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo and Atiba.
The curfew followed the May 15 attack on three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities of Oriire Local Government Area, where armed men abducted dozens of pupils and teachers in coordinated attacks, raising concerns over worsening insecurity in the South-West.
Since the incident, the state government, in collaboration with the military, the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies, has intensified efforts to rescue the victims.
The government reiterated that the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers remains a priority, assuring residents that security operations are ongoing.
