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The Oyo curfew imposed on 10 local government areas has been extended by 24 hours as the state intensifies its security response. The measure covers communities bordering the Old Oyo National Park.
The Gist
- Oyo extends curfew on 10 LGAs by 24 hours
- Areas border Old Oyo National Park
- Move targets kidnapping and insecurity
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, announced the extension in a memo issued in Ibadan on Thursday evening.
Which areas are affected
The restriction applies to Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo and Atiba local government areas.
These areas sit close to the national park, a vast forest zone that authorities say has been exploited by criminal groups.
Curfew stretched beyond 48 hours
The curfew was initially scheduled to last 48 hours. With the extension, it will now remain in force until Saturday, 27 June 2026.
Officials say the additional time is needed to allow security operations to continue without interference. They have urged residents to comply and stay indoors during restricted hours.
Targeting kidnappers
The state government says the curfew is part of efforts to tackle kidnapping and other security challenges around the park. The forest belt has been linked to attacks on nearby communities.
By limiting movement, authorities hope to restrict the operations of armed groups and make it easier for security forces to track suspects.
Residents in the affected areas have been advised to cooperate with security agencies and report suspicious activity.
A park turned hideout
The Old Oyo National Park covers a huge stretch of forest and grassland. Its dense cover has long made it difficult to patrol effectively.
Security agencies say criminal groups have used such terrain to hide and stage attacks. Curfews around the park aim to cut off escape routes and supply lines.
Communities on the park’s edge have repeatedly raised the alarm over kidnappings. For them, the restrictions are a hopeful sign that the threat is being taken seriously.
Local leaders have called for more permanent security posts around the reserve. They argue that brief clampdowns only push criminals deeper into the bush before they return.
Farmers, who depend on early-morning access to their fields, are among those most affected. They are watching closely to see whether the operation brings lasting safety.
Why it matters
Curfews disrupt daily life, from trade to school runs, and weigh heavily on rural economies. But many residents accept short-term restrictions if they bring relief from attacks.
The extension signals that operations are still ongoing and that the threat has not fully eased. It also reflects the difficulty of policing large forest reserves that cut across several council areas.
For families in the 10 affected areas, safety is the immediate concern. The hope is that the clampdown delivers lasting calm rather than a brief pause.
What comes next
The government has not ruled out further extensions if the situation demands. Officials say any decision will depend on the outcome of ongoing security operations.
Authorities have promised updates as the situation develops. For now, residents await Saturday, when the current order is due to expire.
Much will depend on what security forces achieve during the restricted window. A calm reopening would be the clearest sign that the gamble paid off.
Source: Oyo State Government
