Oyo State Imposes Curfew After Mass Kidnapping Incident

The Oyo State Government announced a curfew affecting ten local government areas surrounding the Old Oyo National Park, effective from Wednesday, lasting from 4 PM to 8 AM for an initial 48 hours. This decision follows a violent attack on May 15, where 46 individuals, including 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers, were abducted in Oriir local government area.

The state government, through a statement by Dotun Oyelad, urged residents in the affected areas to comply with the curfew and directed security agencies to intensify operations to restore peace and ensure safety. The curfew impacts local government areas including Oriir, Ikoyi, Igboho, Irepo, Kisi, Saki West, Saki East, Ago Amodu, Atisbo, Tede, Ago Itesiwaju, Otu, Iseyin, Olorunsogo, Igbeti, Atiba, and Offa Meta.

Chief of Defence Staff Olufemi Oluyed announced the deployment of special forces and drone surveillance to assist in securing the region.