Residents of Saki and its surrounding communities in Oyo State on Wednesday complied fully with the dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed by the state government following rising insecurity linked to the abduction of school children and teachers in Orire Local Government Area.
A Radio Nigeria correspondent who monitored the situation reports that movement across major streets and residential areas came to an abrupt halt as early as 4:00 p.m., with residents retreating into their homes in obedience to the government directive.
The usually bustling town was left deserted, with only security operatives seen on patrol.
Major roads within Saki metropolis, including commercial hubs and motor parks, were devoid of human and vehicular activities.
Shops, markets, and other business outlets shut down operations earlier than usual, signaling widespread compliance and heightened concern among the populace.
Security agencies, including the police, military, mounted checkpoints at strategic locations to enforce the curfew.
Officers were observed stopping and questioning essential workers and turning back unauthorized persons attempting to move within restricted hours.
Some residents who spoke under anonymity described the situation as tense, noting that fear has gripped the community since news of the abduction filtered in.
Many expressed uncertainty about what could happen next, especially given the proximity of affected areas to their communities.
A resident of Ajegunle area in Saki said the silence across the town was unusual and unsettling.
According to him, “People are scared. Nobody wants to take chances because we don’t know the next target.”
Parents, in particular, were seen keeping their children indoors, while religious and social gatherings were suspended in compliance with the directive.
The atmosphere remained tense as families stayed glued to radio and other media platforms for updates on the security situation.
Meanwhile, in a circular issued on Wednesday, the Executive Chairman of Atisbo Local Government Area, Alhaji Alade Bashir Olumuyiwa, urged residents across the council area to strictly comply with the curfew order.
The chairman specifically called on residents in Ago-Are, Tede, Irawo, Sabe, Baasi, Owo, Ofiki, Agunrege, and Corner Owo to adhere to the directive, emphasizing that the measure was necessary to safeguard lives and property.
Alhaji Olumuyiwa explained that the curfew forms part of broader strategies by the Oyo State Government to tackle security challenges in communities surrounding the Old Oyo National Park, which has been identified as a hotspot for criminal activities.
He further appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information and avoiding actions that could hinder ongoing operations aimed at flushing out criminal elements.
As the curfew takes effect, residents remain hopeful that the intervention will restore peace and normalcy to the affected areas, even as security forces intensify efforts to rescue the abducted victims and bring perpetrators to justice.
