Oyo 16-Hour Curfew has been declared across 10 local government areas of Oyo State as Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration intensifies efforts to address growing security concerns following the abduction of students and teachers in the state.
The Oyo State Government announced the restriction through a memo issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, stating that the curfew takes effect from Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
According to the directive, the Oyo 16-Hour Curfew will run daily from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. and will initially remain in force for 48 hours. The measure affects local government areas located around the Old Oyo National Park, a region authorities say has witnessed increasing security challenges.
The affected local government areas include Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo and Atiba.
Government officials explained that the decision was taken as part of broader efforts to restore public confidence, improve security operations and prevent further attacks by criminal elements operating within the affected areas.
The declaration comes weeks after the abduction of students and teachers in Orire Local Government Area, an incident that sparked widespread outrage and repeated protests by concerned citizens and civil society groups.
Demonstrators have continued to demand urgent government action to secure the release of the victims and improve security across the state.
Speaking during a recent protest in Ibadan, National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the demonstrations would continue until all abducted victims regain their freedom.
According to him, the plight of the kidnapped students and teachers must remain a priority for both the state and federal governments.
“We will continue to protest for the release of all abducted victims until they are free. We believe government officials are in the comfort of their offices while innocent students and teachers remain in captivity,” he said.
Sanyaolu also criticised political leaders for focusing on preparations for the 2027 elections while insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods across the country.
The Oyo State Government maintains that the temporary curfew is necessary to support security agencies in carrying out intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks within the affected communities.
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Residents have been advised to comply fully with the restrictions and cooperate with security personnel to ensure the success of the operation.
Security experts say curfews can help restrict the movement of criminal elements, although they stress that long-term solutions require sustained intelligence-driven operations, community engagement and stronger security infrastructure.
As the Oyo 16-Hour Curfew takes effect, residents and stakeholders will be closely monitoring developments to determine whether the measure leads to improved security and the safe return of abducted victims.
The latest action underscores growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Oyo State and highlights increasing pressure on authorities to deliver lasting solutions to kidnapping and other violent crimes affecting communities across Nigeria.
