Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved a 16-hour curfew in 10 local government areas (LGAs) effective from June 24, 2026, in response to heightened security threats following the abduction of 39 students and seven teachers in Oriire LGA. The curfew, announced in a memo by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, and signed by Special Adviser (Media) Sulaimon Olanrewaju, runs from 4:00 PM to 8:00 AM daily and will last for an initial 48 hours.
Affected Local Government Areas
The curfew targets LGAs bordering the Old Oyo National Park, a region where authorities believe the abductors are hiding. The affected areas include: Oriire (headquarters: Ikoyi-Ile), Irepo (Kisi), Olorunsogo (Igbeti), Atiba (Offa-Meta), Saki West (Saki), Saki East (Ago-Amodu), Atisbo (Tede), Oorelope (Igboho), Itesiwaju (Otu), and Iseyin (Iseyin).
Background of the Abduction Crisis
On May 15, 2026, suspected bandits attacked three schools in Oriire LGA, abducting about 39 students and seven teachers. Governor Makinde attributed the attack to terrorists, noting that pressure on terror groups in the north is pushing them southward. Defence Headquarters spokesperson Michael Onoja confirmed that the group known as JAS (Boko Haram) carried out the mass abduction.
The crisis escalated when Michael Oyedokun, one of the abducted teachers, was killed by the captors. In videos released by the abductors, Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School, Esiele, pleaded with authorities to negotiate for their release, warning that another hostage would be killed if demands were not met.
Governor Makinde's Stance
Governor Makinde has vowed not to negotiate with the abductors, stating that doing so would cede state authority to criminal groups. In mid-June, amid protests by families and residents, Makinde said he was willing to sacrifice himself if it would secure the hostages' release, but he reiterated that the government would not yield to the kidnappers' demands. Authorities believe the abducted students and teachers are still within the Old Oyo National Park.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised Governor Makinde over his handling of the security situation, calling for his resignation. APC spokesperson Olawale Sadare faulted Makinde's claim that he is constrained by federal control of security agencies, arguing that state governors have constitutional responsibilities to address insecurity.
