Orire Abduction: Oyo Assembly Chief Whip Oyekola Appeals for Patience Over Curfew Extension, Rallies Residents Behind Security Operations

The Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly and member representing Atiba State Constituency, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, has appealed to residents of Atiba Local Government to remain calm and cooperate with security authorities following the extension of the curfew imposed by the Oyo State Government amid ongoing efforts to rescue the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in the state.

In a goodwill message addressed to the people of Atiba, Oyekola explained that the extension of the curfew was not intended to cause hardship or disrupt residents’ daily activities but was a strategic security measure designed to facilitate ongoing operations aimed at securing the safe release of the victims and tackling the growing threat of banditry and criminality.

According to the lawmaker, the temporary restriction is a necessary sacrifice required to restore lasting peace and strengthen security across the affected communities.

“The extension of the curfew is not intended to inconvenience anyone. Rather, it is a necessary measure aimed at securing the release of our children and teachers who are currently being held captive, and at finding a lasting solution to the issue of banditry in our state and community,” Oyekola stated.

He urged residents to regard the current situation as a challenging but critical period in the collective pursuit of peace and security, expressing confidence that the ongoing operations would soon yield positive results.

The Chief Whip further called on the people of Atiba to offer prayers for the military, security agencies and other personnel involved in the rescue mission, commending their courage, dedication and sacrifices in working tirelessly to restore normalcy.

“I urge us all to join hands in prayer for our gallant soldiers and security personnel who are making every possible effort to restore peace and ensure the safe return of our children and teachers,” he said.

Oyekola also appealed to residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant and supportive of government directives throughout the period, stressing that public cooperation remains essential to the success of ongoing security operations.

He assured constituents that the difficult moment would soon pass, expressing optimism that with sustained collaboration among government, security agencies and members of the public, lasting peace would be restored and the abducted victims reunited safely with their families.

“Please remain calm, law-abiding and cooperative during this period. Together, we shall overcome these challenges and build a safer community for all,” the lawmaker added.