Oyo Curfew Extended to Support Rescue Operations, Makinde Explains

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has explained that the extension of the temporary curfew imposed on 10 local government areas is aimed at strengthening ongoing security operations to secure the safe release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

The state government had earlier imposed a two-day curfew across the affected local government areas before extending the restriction by an additional 24 hours on Friday.

In a message published through his official newsletter on Saturday, Makinde said protecting the lives and wellbeing of residents remains the foremost responsibility of his administration, stressing that security agencies are working round the clock to rescue the victims.

"I have spent the past several weeks preoccupied with the safety and well-being of the people of Oyo State and they remain the foremost priority of this administration," the governor said.

According to him, security agencies have continued coordinated operations aimed at securing the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers, with the state government providing every necessary support to facilitate the mission.

"Security agencies have continued intensive operations aimed at securing the safe return of the abducted children and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area. These efforts remain active and coordinated, with the government providing every necessary support to the security agencies involved," he stated.

Makinde explained that the temporary curfew, which covers 10 local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park, was introduced solely to create an enabling environment for the ongoing rescue efforts.

"As part of these ongoing operations, we approved a temporary 16-hour curfew in 10 local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park. The measure is intended to strengthen security operations and create the conditions required for rescue efforts to continue effectively," he added.

The governor appealed to residents in the affected communities to cooperate fully with security agencies throughout the duration of the restriction, describing public support as critical to the success of the operation.

Schools to Resume Safely

Makinde also assured parents and residents that his administration is making arrangements to ensure schools resume safely without exposing pupils, teachers or host communities to unnecessary risks.

"While these security operations continue, our administration still has the responsibility of ensuring that essential public services continue to function," he said.

"Preparations are therefore underway to ensure that schools can safely resume while every necessary precaution is taken to protect pupils, teachers and their communities. Education remains too important to be placed indefinitely on hold, and every decision continues to balance learning with the safety of our children."

Surveillance Aircraft Nears Delivery

The governor further disclosed that Oyo State's surveillance aircraft is in the final stages of delivery, explaining that additional technical and regulatory procedures have delayed its arrival beyond the previously projected June timeline.

According to him, the remaining processes are necessary to ensure the aircraft meets all operational and safety requirements before deployment.

"When commissioned, the aircraft will significantly strengthen the state's capacity for aerial surveillance, rapid emergency response and wider security operations, while also supporting other critical government functions," Makinde said.

He assured residents that the government would continue to provide updates as the delivery process progresses.

Reaffirming his administration's commitment to improving security across the state, Makinde said his government would continue investing in security, education, infrastructure and other critical sectors while working to build a safer and more prosperous Oyo State.