Oyo lifts curfew in 10 LGAs, defends security offensive against kidnappers

The Oyo State Government has announced the immediate suspension of the dusk to dawn curfew previously imposed in 10 local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park, saying that residents can now return to normal daily activities even as security agencies continue to carry out operations against kidnappers in the area.

The decision was revealed on Saturday in a statement issued by the state’s Information Commissioner, Dotun Oyelade, who explained that although movement restrictions have been lifted, security forces will remain on the ground to ensure the rescue of kidnap victims and restore lasting peace.

According to Oyelade, “The government is closely monitoring the security situation, and efforts are ongoing to end this kidnapping incident.”

He assured residents that the government, together with security agencies, would continue aggressive operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks responsible for recent kidnappings in several parts of the state.

The curfew was first imposed on June 24 as an emergency measure for 48 hours, restricting movement between 4pm and 8am across the affected areas. That time was later extended by an additional 24 hours to give security officials more time to carry out coordinated operations.

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Authorities said the restrictions were designed to support ongoing efforts to flush out kidnappers and other criminal elements believed to be operating around Old Oyo National Park.

Local government areas affected by the curfew include Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo and Atiba.

The security measures follow coordinated attacks on May 15 on three schools located in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities in Oriire Local Government Area, where armed assailants abducted a number of students and teachers, sparking widespread concern over rising insecurity in the South West region of Nigeria.

Since the incident, the Oyo State Government has intensified rescue operations in collaboration with the military, police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, Amotekun Corps and other security agencies. Officials have consistently stated that securing the return of kidnapped students and teachers remains a top priority while efforts to eradicate criminal activities in affected communities continue.