The Oyo State Government has lifted the curfew earlier imposed on 10 local government areas following the recent kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The government had initially declared a 16-hour curfew across the affected councils before extending it by an additional 24 hours on Thursday as security agencies intensified efforts to tackle the situation.
Announcing the development in a statement, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said residents of the affected local government areas could now resume their normal daily activities.
He thanked residents for their patience, cooperation and understanding throughout the period of the curfew, noting that their support contributed to the government’s efforts to maintain order.
Oyelade, however, assured the public that the government would continue to monitor the security situation closely while working with security agencies to ensure the kidnapping incident is brought to a successful conclusion.
The local government areas affected by the curfew are Oriire (headquarters: 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 curfew was imposed after gunmen attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, on May 15, abducting 45 pupils and teachers.
Days after the abduction, one of the kidnapped victims, a Mathematics teacher, was reportedly killed by the attackers, further heightening concerns over security in the area.
