IBADAN, Oyo State — The Oyo State Government has lifted the dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed on 10 local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park, citing improved security conditions and the need for residents to resume normal activities while security operations continue.
The decision was announced on Saturday in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Dotun Oyelade. The curfew, which had been in effect since June 24, restricted movement between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. daily across the affected councils.
The affected local government areas include Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo, and Atiba.
According to Oyelade, the government closely monitored the security situation and determined that the curfew could be relaxed to allow residents to resume their normal daily activities. “The government is closely monitoring the security situation, and efforts are ongoing to bring the kidnapping episode to an end,” he stated.
The curfew was initially imposed as a 48-hour measure on June 24, following the May 15 abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities of Oriire Local Government Area. It was later extended by 24 hours to allow security operatives more time to carry out coordinated operations targeting kidnappers and other criminal elements operating around the park.
Despite the lifting of the movement restriction, security agencies have been directed to sustain aggressive operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and securing the safe return of the abducted victims. The state government, in collaboration with the military, police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, and other security agencies, has intensified rescue efforts since the incident.
Oyelade expressed appreciation for the cooperation and understanding of residents during the period the curfew was in place. He urged the people of the affected communities to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of security agencies as the government continues to address the situation. He also assured residents that the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers remained a top priority.
