Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has extended the curfew imposed across 10 local government areas following the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers, as security agencies intensify efforts to rescue the victims.
The extension was announced on Thursday in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, and made available to journalists by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
Under the new directive, residents in the affected local government areas will remain under movement restrictions for an additional 24 hours, with the curfew now expected to remain in force until Saturday, 27 June 2026.
The state government said the decision was taken to strengthen ongoing security operations after intelligence reports indicated that the kidnapped students and teachers were being held in the forest surrounding the park, an area that has become a hotspot for criminal activities.
Authorities believe limiting movement within the affected communities will enhance rescue operations and prevent any interference with security efforts.
The local government areas affected by the curfew are Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo, and Atiba.
The government urged residents to remain calm, comply fully with the curfew and other security directives, and cooperate with law enforcement agencies conducting operations in the area.
It also reassured the public that every effort is being made to secure the safe release of the abducted students and teachers while restoring peace and normalcy across the affected communities.
