Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has approved a 16-hour curfew in 10 local government areas bordering Old Oyo National Park, citing urgent security concerns in the area.
According to a memo released Monday by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, the curfew runs daily from 4PM to 8AM and takes effect from Wednesday, June 24, 2026. It will last 48 hours in the first instance, with further review based on security assessment.
The affected LGAs are those sharing boundaries with the forest reserve, a region that has recorded repeated incidents of banditry and kidnapping in recent years.
The LGAs under curfew are: Oriire with headquarters at Ikoyi-Ile, Orelope headquartered in Igboho, Irepo with Kisi as headquarters, Saki West headquartered in Saki, Saki East with Ago-Amodu as headquarters, Atisbo headquartered in Tede/Ago-Are, Itesiwaju with Otu as headquarters, Iseyin headquartered in Iseyin, Olorunsogo with Igbeti as headquarters, and Atiba headquartered at Offa-Meta, Oyo.
The government directed residents and motorists in the affected areas to comply strictly with the restriction. Security agencies have been ordered to enforce the directive and ensure free movement of essential services only during curfew hours.
Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, signed the statement announcing the measure.
The curfew comes amid renewed calls for stronger security around Nigeria’s forest reserves, which have become hotspots for criminal activity. Residents in Saki, Igboho and Iseyin areas told reporters they expect increased patrols once the restriction begins Wednesday night.
The state government said it will review the situation after 48 hours before deciding whether to extend or lift the curfew.
