Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has imposed a 16-hour curfew across 10 local government areas as part of new measures to address insecurity in the state.
The curfew, which will be in effect from 4 PM to 8 AM for an initial 48-hour period, begins on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. This decision was announced in a memo by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde.
The curfew applies to local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park: Oriire (Ikoyi-Ile), Orelope (Igboho), Irepo (Kisi), Saki West (Saki), Saki East (Ago-Amodu), Atisbo (Tede/Ago-Are), Itesiwaju (Otu), Iseyin (Iseyin), Olorunsogo (Igbeti), and Atiba (Offa-Meta, Oyo).
The state government’s action comes in response to widespread protests following the abduction of children and teachers in Orire Local Government Area in May. Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the protest movement, spoke at the most recent demonstration on Monday, emphasizing the group’s ongoing campaign for the victims’ release. “We will continue to protest until all abducted victims are freed,” Sanyaolu said, criticizing government officials for prioritizing plans for the 2027 elections over urgent security concerns. “We are demanding freedom for all captives across Nigeria. Political leaders must act now, or mass action will continue.”
Protesters gathered in Ibadan, the state capital, reiterating their call for immediate government intervention to secure the release of the abducted students and teachers.
