Oyo State has lifted the curfew imposed on 10 LGAs following recent kidnapping concerns, allowing residents to resume normal activities.
The Oyo State Government has officially lifted the curfew imposed on 10 local government areas following recent security operations aimed at tackling kidnapping and criminal activities around the Old Oyo National Park.
The decision comes days after authorities introduced strict movement restrictions in response to a kidnapping incident that heightened security concerns across several communities in the state. With the latest announcement, residents in the affected areas can now return to their normal daily activities.
The Oyo Government had earlier imposed a 48-hour curfew covering 10 local government areas as part of emergency measures to address growing security challenges.
The restriction, which took effect from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., was designed to support security agencies in ongoing operations targeting criminal elements believed to be operating within and around the affected communities.
The local government areas affected by the curfew include Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo, and Atiba.
These councils are located close to the Old Oyo National Park, an area that has recently drawn increased attention from security authorities over concerns about kidnapping and related criminal activities.
As security operations continued, the state government extended the curfew by an additional 24 hours on Thursday, citing the need to consolidate gains made by law enforcement agencies and ensure the effectiveness of ongoing security measures.
Announcing the lifting of the restriction on Saturday, June 27, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said residents across the affected local government areas are now free to resume their normal economic and social activities.
According to him, the government appreciates the patience, understanding, and cooperation shown by residents throughout the period of the curfew.
He noted that the collective support of communities played a vital role in assisting security agencies in carrying out their assignments effectively.
The commissioner explained that while the Oyo curfew has been lifted, the government remains vigilant and continues to closely monitor the security situation across the affected areas.
He stressed that the administration is committed to ensuring lasting peace and preventing future incidents that could threaten the safety of residents.
Prince Oyelade further reassured citizens that efforts to address the kidnapping challenge are ongoing.
He stated that the government, in collaboration with security agencies, will continue implementing measures aimed at identifying, tracking, and apprehending criminal elements responsible for insecurity within the state.
The Oyo Government emphasized that the safety of lives and property remains a top priority.
Authorities believe that sustained security operations, intelligence gathering, and community engagement will help strengthen security across vulnerable areas and reduce criminal activities.
The lifting of the Oyo curfew is expected to provide significant relief to residents, farmers, traders, transport operators, and business owners whose activities were affected during the restriction period. Markets, schools, transportation services, and other commercial activities are anticipated to return fully to normal operations.
For many residents in the affected communities, the announcement marks the end of several days of uncertainty and disruption. The restoration of unrestricted movement is expected to boost local economic activities and improve public confidence in ongoing security efforts.
The latest development highlights the Oyo State Government’s determination to confront kidnapping and other security challenges through coordinated action with law enforcement agencies.
The Oyo State Government has lifted the curfew imposed on 10 local government areas following the recent kidnapping incident in Oriire.
Recall that the government initially imposed a 16-hour curfew on the affected communities before extending it with an additional one-day curfew on Thursday.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, residents can now resume their normal activities, while the government expressed appreciation for the cooperation and understanding of the people in the affected areas.
Prince Oyelade added that the government is closely monitoring the security situation and reassured residents that efforts are ongoing to bring the kidnapping episode to an end.
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