Oyo Lifts Curfew in 10 LGs, Says Security Operations Continue

The Oyo State Government has lifted the dusk-to-dawn curfew earlier imposed on 10 local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park, following sustained security operations aimed at rescuing abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

The decision was announced on Saturday in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade.

According to the government, residents of the affected local government areas can now return to their normal daily activities, while security agencies continue intensive operations to combat kidnappers and restore lasting peace across the region.

“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 introduced on June 24 for 48 hours, restricting movement daily between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. across the affected local government areas. It was later extended by an additional 24 hours to enable security agencies to intensify search and rescue operations.

The restriction covered Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo and Atiba local government areas.

The measure followed the May 15 coordinated attacks on three schools located in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities in Oriire Local Government Area, where armed men abducted dozens of pupils and teachers.

The incident generated widespread concern across the country and renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect schools, particularly in rural communities vulnerable to attacks by criminal gangs.

Since the abductions, the Oyo State Government has continued to work closely with the military, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies to secure the release of the victims.

Authorities said joint security operations remain active despite the lifting of the curfew, stressing that the safety of the abducted pupils and teachers remains a top priority.

The government reassured residents that security personnel would sustain surveillance, intelligence gathering and coordinated operations across the affected communities to prevent further attacks.

It also urged members of the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and promptly report suspicious movements or activities that could threaten public safety while ongoing efforts to rescue the victims continue.