By Oluwakemi Kindness
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has approved a 16-hour curfew across 10 local government areas as part of efforts to curb rising insecurity in the state.
The curfew, which runs from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., takes effect on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, and will remain in force for an initial period of 48 hours.
Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, announced the directive in a memo on Wednesday, stating that the measure targets local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park.
The affected councils are Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo and Atiba.
The government introduced the restriction amid growing concerns over insecurity in the affected areas and weeks of public protests demanding the rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area in May.
Speaking eariler during a protest in Ibadan on Monday, National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said campaigners would sustain demonstrations until all victims regain their freedom.
“We will continue to protest for the release of all abducted victims until they are free. Government officials remain in their offices while 46 students and their teachers languish in kidnappers’ captivity,” he said.
Sanyaolu also criticised political leaders for focusing on preparations for the 2027 elections while insecurity continues to threaten lives across the country.
He warned that citizens would intensify pressure on authorities if decisive action is not taken to secure the release of those held captive.
