School abduction: Oyo imposes curfew on 10 LGs near national park

Oyo State authorities have imposed a 16-hour curfew in 10 local government areas surrounding the Old Oyo National Park, effective from Wednesday, 24 June 2026. The decision was made by Governor Seyi Makinde, who ordered the measure to address growing security concerns in the region. The curfew will initially last for 48 hours, running daily from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., and applies specifically to local government areas bordering the national park. The affected areas include Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo, and Atiba. The directive was announced through a memorandum issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, who emphasized the need to protect lives and property in the targeted communities. The curfew follows a series of alarming incidents involving armed groups operating in the region. On 15 May 2026, gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, including Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and Community Grammar School and L.A Primary School in Esiele. During the attacks, dozens of pupils and teachers were abducted, and a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded. The victims were subsequently taken into the forests surrounding the Old Oyo National Park, a vast 2,500-square-kilometre reserve known for its dense vegetation and remote terrain. Security agencies have since conducted extensive search-and-rescue operations in the area, though progress has been slow due to the challenging environment. The Oyo State Government has acknowledged the severity of the situation, with Governor Makinde expressing his determination to prevent the incident from escalating into a broader crisis. In a public address, he revealed that a Nigerian Army lieutenant was killed during a rescue operation on 16 June 2026, describing the loss as a painful sacrifice in the effort to secure the release of the abducted individuals. He reiterated that the state would not allow the ordeal to mirror the tragic 2014 Chibok schoolgirls' kidnapping, underscoring the urgency of resolving the case swiftly. The government has also pledged to deploy all available resources to ensure the safe return of the victims while minimizing additional casualties. Security challenges in the Old Oyo National Park and adjacent regions have persisted for some time. Earlier in January 2026, five officers tasked with guarding the National Park Service were killed in an ambush near Oloka Village in Orire Local Government Area. This attack highlighted the increasing threat posed by armed groups exploiting the park's dense forests as a refuge. Security experts have noted that the vast forest corridors linking Oyo, Kwara, and Niger states serve as ideal hiding spots for criminals engaged in kidnapping, banditry, and other violent acts. Residents living near the park have long expressed concerns about recurring attacks and violent incursions, which have disrupted community life and created an atmosphere of fear. The current curfew is intended to enhance security operations in the affected areas by restricting movement during critical hours. According to statements from the state commissioner for information, Dotun Oyelade, the measure is part of intensified efforts to flush out criminal elements using the forest reserves as bases. Security agencies have been directed to increase surveillance and enforcement activities during the curfew period, with a focus on identifying and apprehending suspects. The government has also urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement and adhere strictly to the restrictions in place. Further directives will be issued after the initial 48-hour window, depending on the evolving security situation. The abduction incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for immediate action. Schools in the affected areas were temporarily closed, and protests erupted as parents and community leaders demanded accountability and swift intervention. Civil society organizations have joined the chorus, emphasizing the need for transparency and collaboration between the government and security agencies. As the search continues for the abducted children and teachers, the Oyo State Government remains committed to ensuring their safe return, despite the risks and sacrifices involved.