Makinde Orders Curfew Across Oyo Communities as Kidnap Protests Intensify
As part of efforts to tackle insecurity across Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the imposition of a 16-hour curfew in 10 local government areas of the state.
According to a memo issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, the curfew takes effect from Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
The curfew, which runs from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m., will initially last for 48 hours and applies to local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park.
The affected councils are Oriire Local Government (headquarters, Ikoyi-Ile), Orelope (Igboho), Irepo (Kisi), Saki West (Saki), Saki East (Ago-Amodu), Atisbo (Tede/Ago-Are), Itesiwaju (Otu), Iseyin (Iseyin), Olorunsogo (Igbeti), and Atiba (Offa-Meta, Oyo).
The development followed a series of protests in the state over the abduction of children and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area in May.
National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, who spoke during the latest protest held on Monday, said the demonstration formed part of the group’s ongoing efforts to secure the release of the victims.
According to him, the protest “is a continuation of actions the organisation has embarked upon since the abduction of children and teachers” in Oriire Local Government Area in May.
“We will continue to protest for the release of all abducted victims until they are free. We believe that government officials are in the comfort of their rooms and offices while innocent 46 students and their teachers are languishing in the kidnappers’ den.
“We are demanding freedom for all captives in the North, South, West, and East of Nigeria,” Sanyaolu said.
He also criticised political leaders for focusing on preparations for the 2027 elections while insecurity continues to threaten the lives of Nigerians.
“We will not be sitting until 2027. By that time, we won’t even know how many will be alive.
“So that is why we are at the heart of Ibadan in Oyo State, where the abduction took place. The state and Federal Government must act, or they will continue to witness mass action,” he added.
