Oyo lifts curfew in 10 LGAs, intensifies anti-kidnapping measures

The Oyo State Government has lifted the temporary curfew imposed on 10 local government areas following the recent kidnapping incident in Oriire Local Government Area, allowing residents to resume their normal daily activities.

The decision comes after security agencies reviewed the situation in the affected areas and recommended the relaxation of the restrictions that were introduced to strengthen security operations.

The state government had on Tuesday announced a 16-hour curfew across 10 local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park in response to the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

According to a memorandum issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, the curfew took effect from Wednesday and was initially scheduled to run for two days.

The restriction, which lasted daily from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., affected Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo and Atiba local government areas.

Announcing the lifting of the curfew on Saturday, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, said the government had reviewed the security situation and was satisfied that residents could safely return to their normal activities.

He appreciated the people of the affected communities for their patience, understanding and cooperation during the enforcement of the curfew, noting that their support contributed significantly to ongoing security operations.

“The Oyo State Government sincerely appreciates the cooperation and understanding demonstrated by residents throughout the period of the curfew,” Oyelade said.

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He, however, stressed that the government would continue to closely monitor the security situation across the affected areas to ensure that criminal elements do not exploit the relaxation of the restrictions.

The commissioner assured residents that the state government, in collaboration with security agencies, remains committed to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across Oyo State.

He said efforts are being intensified to bring the recent wave of kidnappings to an end and to guarantee the safety of lives and property throughout the state.

Oyelade urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could aid intelligence gathering and prompt response to criminal activities.

The temporary curfew was introduced as part of emergency security measures following the kidnapping incident in Oriire Local Government Area, which heightened concerns over the activities of criminal gangs operating around communities bordering the Old Oyo National Park.

Security agencies have continued coordinated operations in the area as part of broader efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks and restore public confidence in the safety of the affected communities.

With the lifting of the curfew, commercial activities, transportation and other socio-economic engagements are expected to resume fully across the 10 local government areas, even as authorities maintain heightened surveillance to prevent any resurgence of criminal activities.