Insecurity: Makinde Imposes 16-hour Curfew in Oyo Town, 9 Other LGAs

Segun Atanda/

Governor Seyi Makinde has imposed a 16-hour curfew across 10 local government areas of Oyo State, including Atiba Local Government Area, home to the historical city of Oyo, in one of the most far-reaching security measures introduced by his administration in recent years.

The curfew, which runs daily from 4pm to 8am, takes effect on Wednesday, June 24, and will initially remain in force for 48 hours.

A directive issued by the Oyo State Government said the restriction affects local government areas surrounding the Old Oyo National Park, an expansive forest reserve that has increasingly come under focus amid growing security concerns in parts of the state.

The order was conveyed in a memorandum signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde.

The affected local government areas are Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo and Atiba.

While most of the affected councils are located within the Oke Ogun zone bordering the Old Oyo National Park, the inclusion of Atiba Local Government Area has drawn particular attention because it encompasses Oyo town, one of the most historically significant urban centres in Yorubaland and the traditional seat of the Alaafin of Oyo.

Unlike several of the other affected councils, which are predominantly rural and share closer proximity to forested areas, Atiba is a major commercial and administrative hub strategically located along key transport routes linking northern Oyo State with Ibadan and other parts of the South-West.

The state government urged residents to comply fully with the curfew and cooperate with security agencies during the period of enforcement.

Although officials have not publicly provided a detailed explanation for the timing of the measure, the curfew comes against the backdrop of heightened security concerns around the Old Oyo National Park axis and surrounding communities.

The park has featured prominently in recent security discussions following the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area in May.

Governor Makinde subsequently disclosed that intelligence reports suggested the victims were being held within the wider Old Oyo National Park area, a vast expanse of forest stretching across parts of Oyo State.

At the time, the governor said security agencies were intensifying efforts to secure the release of the victims and dismantle criminal networks believed to be operating within the forest corridor.

The kidnapping incident renewed concerns among residents, traditional leaders and security stakeholders about the activities of armed groups exploiting the difficult terrain of the national park and adjoining forests.

The latest curfew is expected to significantly affect movement, commercial activities and transportation across large sections of Oke Ogun and Oyo town during the hours of enforcement.

For residents of Atiba Local Government Area, the restrictions will be particularly notable given the area’s urban character and its role as a major population centre.

The decision means that one of Oyo State’s most important historic cities will be subject to the same movement restrictions as communities located closer to the security flashpoints around the national park.

The government has not indicated whether the curfew will be extended beyond the initial 48-hour period.

However, the order signals an escalation of efforts by the Makinde administration and security agencies to contain emerging threats and restore confidence in communities affected by insecurity.

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