Oyogovernment suspends 16-hour daily restrictions after 72-hour period; security agencies continue operations to rescue abducted pupils and teachers

The Oyo State Government has lifted the 16-hour curfew imposed on 10 local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park, following a 72-hour period of heightened security measures. The curfew is no longer in effect as of Saturday, 27 June 2026.

The Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, announced the lifting in a statement issued in Ibadan on Saturday.

“The Oyo State Government has lifted the curfew imposed on 10 local government areas following the recent kidnapping incident in Oriire. Residents can now resume their normal activities,” the statement read.

The curfew had been imposed on Tuesday, 24 June 2026, running daily from 4:00 pm to 8:00 am across the affected communities. The government initially implemented the measure for 48 hours before extending it by an additional 24 hours on Thursday.

Affected local government areas in Oyo

The 10 local government areas placed under the curfew were Atiba, Atisbo, Irepo, Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Olorunsogo, Oriire, Orelope, Saki West and Saki East. All ten councils share boundaries with the Old Oyo National Park.

The curfew was imposed following the kidnapping of pupils and teachers on 15 May 2026 during coordinated attacks on three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities of Oriire Local Government Area.

Government expresses appreciation

Oyelade expressed the government’s appreciation for the cooperation and understanding shown by residents during the period of restriction. The commissioner did not disclose specific details regarding the basis for the decision to lift the curfew at this juncture.

Continued security operations

Despite lifting the curfew, the government emphasised that security operations remain active. Oyelade stated: “The government is closely monitoring the security situation, and efforts are ongoing to bring the kidnapping episode to an end.”

The state government has mobilised multiple security agencies to address the security challenge. These include the Nigerian military, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Amotekun Corps.

Oyelade reassured residents that the government remains committed to safeguarding lives and property in the affected areas. “Efforts are ongoing to bring the kidnapping episode across the state to an end,” he stated.

Rescue operations status

The abduction on 15 May 2026 resulted in the kidnapping of 46 persons from Oyo State, comprising 7 teachers and 39 students. The government has consistently stated that the safe return of these victims remains a priority.

Security agencies have intensified operations in and around the Old Oyo National Park, which covers approximately 2,500 square kilometres across the 10 affected local government areas. The park’s vast terrain and difficult topography have presented operational challenges for rescue efforts.

Impact on residents

The lifting of the curfew allows residents of the affected communities to resume business activities and normal daily routines. The curfew had restricted movement during critical business hours, impacting economic activity in the 10 local government areas.

Schools in the affected areas had remained closed since the kidnapping incident, and the curfew further disrupted educational activities in the region.