馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Oyo State imposes curfew on 10 local government areas near Old Oyo National Park following abductions
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Oyo State Government has implemented a dusk-to-dawn curfew across 10 local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park. This measure, effective from 4 PM to 8 AM daily starting Wednesday, June 24, 2026, for an initial 48 hours, aims to combat insecurity, kidnapping, and criminal activities. The affected areas include Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo, and Atiba. According to Dotun Oyelade, the state Commissioner for Information, this directive is part of efforts to remove criminal elements reportedly using forest reserves around the park as hideouts. Security agencies have been instructed to enhance surveillance and enforcement. The curfew is a direct response to the mass abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in May 2026 from communities in the Oriire Local Government Area, including Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle. Abducted victims are believed to be held within the Old Oyo National Park corridor, a large forest reserve. Authorities believe the kidnappers remain within this forest, leading to intensified search-and-rescue operations and sustained military and police deployment.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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