The Oyo State Government has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew across 10 local government areas surrounding the Old Oyo National Park as security forces intensify efforts to rescue dozens of students and teachers abducted during recent attacks in parts of the state.
The emergency measure, announced on Tuesday, comes amid growing concern over the fate of victims kidnapped during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area, where armed groups reportedly invaded communities, abducted pupils and teachers, and killed at least one school official.
According to the government, the curfew will take effect from Wednesday, June 24, 2026, running daily from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. for an initial period of 48 hours.
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The affected local government areas are Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo and Atiba.
State authorities said the measure forms part of intensified operations aimed at flushing out criminal elements believed to be operating from forest corridors around the Old Oyo National Park.
Officials disclosed that the vast forest reserve has become a key focus of ongoing search-and-rescue efforts following intelligence suggesting that abducted students and teachers may be held within the area.
The Old Oyo National Park spans a significant portion of the Oke-Ogun zone and presents difficult terrain for security operations due to its size and dense vegetation.
Military personnel, police tactical units and intelligence operatives have reportedly increased surveillance and deployment across the affected communities.
The latest restrictions are linked to the mass abduction recorded in May 2026 when armed men attacked schools in communities around Oriire Local Government Area, including Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle.
The attacks led to the abduction of dozens of students and teachers, triggering widespread concern among residents and education stakeholders.
Community leaders and parents have continued to demand stronger protection for schools and rural settlements, warning that insecurity could disrupt learning and force families to keep children away from classrooms.
The state government urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and comply fully with the curfew order, describing the move as necessary to restore safety and support rescue operations.
Security personnel have been directed to enforce the restriction while sustaining efforts to locate the abducted victims and dismantle criminal hideouts within the forest axis.
The development underscores growing efforts by the state government and security agencies to secure the release of the victims and prevent further attacks on schools across the region.
