Governor Seyi Makinde approved the measure, which was contained in a memo issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde.
According to the directive, the curfew will take effect from Wednesday, June 24, 2026, and will run from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. daily for an initial period of 48 hours. The restriction applies to local government areas located around the Old Oyo National Park.
The affected councils are Oriire Local Government (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 decision comes amid heightened concerns over insecurity in the state, particularly following the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Orire Local Government Area in May. The incident sparked a series of protests by concerned residents and civil society groups demanding urgent action from authorities.
During a protest held on Monday, the National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the demonstration was part of sustained efforts to secure the release of those still being held captive.
According to him, the protest “is a continuation of actions the organisation has embarked upon since the abduction of children and teachers” in the Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State in May.
“We will continue to protest for the release of all abducted victims until they are free. We believe that government officials are in the comfort of their rooms and offices while innocent 46 students and their teachers are languishing in the kidnappers’ den.
“We are demanding freedom for all captives in the North, South, West, and East of Nigeria,” Sanyaolu said.
He further criticised political leaders for focusing attention on the 2027 elections while insecurity continues to affect communities across the country.
“We will not be sitting until 2027. By that time, we won’t even know how many will be alive.
“So that is why we are at the heart of Ibadan in Oyo State, where the abduction took place. The state and federal governments must act, or they will continue to witness mass action,” he added.