KEY POINTS

• Oyo State has lifted the curfew imposed in 10 local government areas following a recent mass abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire LGA.
• Residents can now resume normal activities, while the government says security agencies will continue efforts to secure the release of the remaining victims and restore safety.
• The curfew was introduced after gunmen abducted 45 pupils and teachers, with one kidnapped Mathematics teacher later reportedly killed by the attackers.

The Oyo State Government has officially lifted the curfew earlier imposed across 10 local government areas following the kidnapping of dozens of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

The decision comes after several days of heightened security operations aimed at restoring calm and strengthening surveillance in the affected communities after the shocking school abduction.

The state government had initially declared a 16-hour curfew across the affected councils before extending it by an additional 24 hours to allow security agencies to intensify efforts to track down the kidnappers and protect residents.

Residents Told to Resume Normal Activities

Announcing the lifting of the restriction, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said residents of the affected local government areas could now return to their normal daily routines.

He expressed appreciation to citizens for their patience, cooperation and understanding throughout the period of the curfew, noting that their compliance helped security agencies maintain order while carrying out their operations.

According to the commissioner, the government remains committed to safeguarding lives and property despite the relaxation of the restrictions.

Although the curfew has been lifted, Oyelade assured residents that the state government would continue to monitor the security situation closely in collaboration with security agencies.

He said authorities remain determined to ensure that the kidnapping incident is brought to a successful conclusion and that those responsible are brought to justice.

The government also reiterated its commitment to preventing similar attacks and strengthening security across vulnerable communities in the state.

The curfew was introduced after heavily armed gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.

The attackers invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele, abducting 45 pupils and teachers in one of the state’s most alarming school attacks in recent years.

The incident sparked widespread concern over the safety of schools and communities in Oyo State.