By Adesakin Adefemi
The Oyo State Government has declared a 16-hour daily curfew in 10 local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park, citing rising security concerns and the need to protect lives and property in the affected communities.
The curfew takes effect from Wednesday, June 24, 2026, according to a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Musibau Babatunde, and signed by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju. Governor Seyi Makinde approved the measure after security briefings on the situation in the area.
Under the directive, the curfew will run daily from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. The government said it will remain in force for an initial period of 48 hours, after which the situation will be reviewed based on security assessments.
The 10 affected LGAs are Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo and Atiba. All communities within and around the Old Oyo National Park corridor in these areas are expected to comply with the restriction on movement.
The government explained that the decision was targeted at communities located around the park, which has been flagged in recent security reports. Officials said the curfew is aimed at safeguarding residents and enabling security agencies to address emerging threats without civilian interference.
Security operatives, including police, military, and local vigilantes, have been deployed to enforce compliance and conduct patrols within the curfew window. The government stressed that essential services and emergency responders will be exempted, but must carry valid identification.
Residents of the affected LGAs have been urged to comply fully with the directive and cooperate with security agencies. The SSG said public cooperation is critical to ensuring the successful implementation of the curfew and to restoring normalcy quickly.
Governor Makinde’s administration noted that the measure is precautionary and not punitive. It assured residents that normal activities will resume as soon as security operatives confirm that the area is safe and stable for unrestricted movement.
The declaration adds to ongoing efforts by the Oyo State Government to tackle insecurity in border communities and forest reserves across the state. Authorities have repeatedly warned against criminal elements using remote areas as hideouts and said intelligence-led operations will continue.
