Oyo Imposes 16-Hour Curfew in 10 LGAs Over Security Concerns

The Oyo State Government has imposed a 16-hour curfew in 10 local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park as part of measures to address security concerns in the affected communities.

Governor Seyi Makinde approved the restriction, which takes effect on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, according to a memo issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde.

The curfew will run daily from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. and will remain in force for an initial period of 48 hours.

The affected local government areas are Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo and Atiba.

Government sources said the measure is aimed at strengthening security in communities around the Old Oyo National Park and limiting movements during the period of the operation.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that schoolchildren and teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area were transported to Kaduna State by helicopter.

The command described the claim as false and misleading, warning members of the public against spreading unverified information capable of creating panic.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Ibadan, the state capital, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the video and accompanying claims lacked any factual basis.

According to him, the content being circulated online was “entirely false, unverified, misleading, and devoid of any factual basis.”

The police spokesperson added that the report failed to meet the standards of credibility required for information relating to sensitive security matters and urged residents to rely on official sources for updates.

He also warned against the dissemination of rumours that could undermine ongoing security efforts or cause unnecessary anxiety among residents.

The development comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of Oyo State, with authorities intensifying measures to safeguard lives and property while investigating recent incidents in affected communities.

Residents in the affected local government areas have been advised to comply with the curfew and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to restore normalcy.