By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Seyi Makinde has announced a restriction on the movement of commercial motorcycles (okada) across Oyo State between 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., as part of renewed efforts to tackle insecurity in the state.
The directive, issued through an Executive Order on Friday and reported by DailyPost, is aimed at curbing rising criminal activities and strengthening ongoing security operations, particularly those linked to recent abductions.
The governor explained that the measure is connected to the government’s intensified efforts to secure the release of abducted teachers and schoolchildren, stressing that the administration remains fully committed to ensuring their safe return.
Makinde noted that the emotional toll of the kidnappings on families and residents remains a major concern for his government, adding that security agencies are actively working to resolve the situation.
He also stated that while the government may not be able to disclose full details of its operations due to security sensitivities, residents should not interpret the lack of public information as inactivity.
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“We may not be able to disclose every step being taken because of the sensitive nature of the operations involved, but I ask our people not to mistake our silence for inaction. A great deal of work is being done behind the scenes,” he said.
According to him, the abducted victims have not been forgotten, and significant efforts are ongoing behind closed doors to secure their release.
The Merit Newspaper reports that the restriction follows the May 15 coordinated attacks in Oriire Local Government Area, where gunmen invaded three schools—Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School.
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During the attacks, at least 45 pupils were reportedly abducted, a development that has continued to trigger fear and concern among residents across the state.
The incident has further heightened security tensions in Oyo State, with growing calls from citizens for stronger preventive measures to avoid a repeat of such attacks.
