By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The Oyo State Government has announced a 16-hour daily curfew across 10 local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park, in a fresh security measure aimed at strengthening public safety and curbing potential threats in affected communities.
The directive, approved by the state governor, Seyi Makinde, takes effect from Wednesday, June 24, 2026, according to an official memo issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde.
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Under the new restriction, movement is prohibited daily between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., effectively placing the affected areas under a 16-hour curfew. The measure is initially set to last for 48 hours, subject to further review by the state government.
The curfew covers communities located around the perimeter of the Old Oyo National Park, an area which has recently drawn heightened security attention.
The affected local government areas include Oriire (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 Merit Newspaper reports that authorities say the decision is part of ongoing efforts to maintain order and ensure the safety of residents in vulnerable border communities, particularly those adjacent to forest reserves and protected zones.
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Residents within the affected areas are urged to comply strictly with the directive as security agencies have been mobilised to enforce the curfew across the designated local government areas.
The statement was signed by Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor of Oyo State.
