Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared a 16-hour curfew across 10 local government areas of the state, effective today Wednesday, June 24, 2026, as security agencies intensify operations to rescue 46 schoolchildren and teachers held in captivity for over a month.
The curfew runs from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. daily and will last for an initial period of 48 hours. The affected LGAs border the Old Oyo National Park, where security forces have intensified rescue operations and reportedly blocked key escape routes used by the abductors.
The affected local government areas are Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo, and Atiba.
A total of 46 persons — comprising 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers — were abducted on May 15 during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area. A teacher was killed on the day of the attack, while one of the hostages, a Mathematics teacher, was later beheaded in captivity in a viral video released by the captors.
Governor Makinde confirmed that a Nigerian Army lieutenant was also killed during rescue operations, describing his death as a painful sacrifice in the ongoing effort to free the victims.
Security agencies have been directed to intensify surveillance and enforcement operations within the affected areas during curfew hours. The government said further directives would follow after the initial 48-hour review.
All rights reserved ©2026 CDA News Nigeria.
Contact: info@cdanews.ng | www.cdanews.ng | +2348030980314 | 348 Ikwerre Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
