The Oyo State Government has announced a 16-hour curfew across 10 local government areas as part of efforts to address growing security concerns.
Governor Seyi Makinde approved the measure following recent security challenges in parts of the state.
A statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, said the restriction takes effect on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
The curfew would run from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. daily for an initial period of 48 hours.
Authorities said the affected councils are communities located around the Old Oyo National Park.
The local governments under the curfew are Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo and Atiba.
The action comes amid public outrage over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Orire Local Government Area in May.
Several protests have been staged in Oyo State, with residents demanding urgent action from security agencies and government authorities.
Speaking during a protest on Monday, National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the campaign for the victims’ release would continue.
According to him, the demonstration was part of sustained efforts to secure freedom for those still in captivity.
“The protest is a continuation of actions the organisation has embarked upon since the abduction of children and teachers,” Sanyaolu said.
He added, “We will continue to protest for the release of all abducted victims until they are free.”
Sanyaolu expressed concern that government officials remained in their offices while abducted pupils and teachers endured captivity.
“We believe that government officials are in the comfort of their rooms and offices while innocent 46 students and their teachers are languishing in the kidnappers’ den,” he stated.
The activist called for the release of all kidnapping victims across the country.
“We are demanding freedom for all captives in the North, South, West and East of Nigeria,” he said.
Sanyaolu also criticised political leaders for focusing on the 2027 elections while insecurity continues to threaten lives nationwide.
“We will not be sitting until 2027. By that time, we won’t even know how many will be alive,” he said.
He urged both the state and federal governments to take decisive action against insecurity.
“So that is why we are at the heart of Ibadan in Oyo State, where the abduction took place,” he added.
“The state and federal governments must act, or they will continue to witness mass action.”
