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

Oyo State authorities have implemented a strict curfew in ten local government areas (LGAs) surrounding the Old Oyo National Park as they continue their search for over 40 abducted pupils and teachers. The decision, announced by Governor Seyi Makinde, follows a series of alarming incidents involving armed assailants targeting educational institutions in the region. The curfew, effective from Wednesday, June 24, 2026, runs from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m., lasting for an initial 48-hour period. This measure aims to bolster security operations in the affected areas, where the abductions have sparked widespread concern and mobilized both local and federal resources.

The abduction incident occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, specifically in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities. The targeted schools included Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Esiele. During these attacks, the perpetrators beheaded a mathematics teacher named Michael Oyedokun before taking the victims into the nearby forests surrounding the Old Oyo National Park. The brutal nature of the assault led to immediate outrage among locals, triggering school closures and protests demanding swift governmental intervention to secure the release of the captives.

Since the abduction, security agencies have conducted extensive search-and-rescue missions throughout the dense forest regions adjacent to the national park. These operations have faced significant challenges, including the rugged terrain and the presence of armed groups that frequently operate in the area. Despite these difficulties, the authorities have maintained a high level of commitment, with Governor Makinde personally acknowledging the risks involved. On June 16, he revealed that a Nigerian Army lieutenant had been killed during a rescue attempt, describing his death as a "painful sacrifice" but emphasizing the necessity of continuing the mission to prevent the situation from escalating into a broader crisis akin to the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls' kidnapping.

The Old Oyo National Park, a vast expanse of approximately 2,500 square kilometers, has long been a focal point for security concerns. Its dense forests and remote locations have historically served as a refuge for criminal elements engaged in kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes. In early January 2026, five guards stationed at the National Park Service were murdered in an attack on the National Park Office in Oloka Village, Orire Local Government Area. Security analysts have pointed out that the park's location, straddling parts of Oyo, Kwara, and Niger states, provides a strategic advantage for cross-border criminal networks. Residents living near the park have consistently voiced fears of repeated attacks and kidnappings, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures.

The imposition of the curfew in the ten LGAs—Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo, and Atiba—is seen as a direct response to the growing threat posed by these criminal activities. The curfew is intended to limit movement and facilitate more effective surveillance and enforcement by security personnel. According to statements released by the state commissioner for information, Dotun Oyelade, the directive was part of a broader strategy to combat insecurity and criminality in the region. The government has also urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement to ensure the success of these operations.

Moving forward, the focus remains on locating the abducted individuals while minimizing additional casualties. Governor Makinde has assured the public that all available resources will be deployed to achieve this goal. As the curfew continues, the situation remains fluid, with ongoing assessments of the security landscape likely to shape future actions. The outcome of these efforts will be crucial not only for the safety of the abducted individuals but also for restoring confidence in the region's ability to address such crises effectively.