Authorities of Edu and Ifelodun Local Government Areas of Kwara State have separately declared a 24-hour curfew across parts of their jurisdictions as part of security measures to tackle rising cases of banditry and kidnapping.
The curfew declarations are believed to be connected to recent attacks on communities in Isin and Irepodun Local Government Areas, where bandits reportedly abducted a 90-year-old woman and three others. The victims were said to have been attacked while working on cashew farms in Isin LGA.
Meanwhile, security forces have intensified clearance operations in forests across Kwara State, with military offensives reportedly forcing bandits to flee their hideouts.
In separate statements issued in Ilorin and made available to journalists, the local government authorities said the curfews were imposed to support ongoing security operations, stressing that there would be no human or vehicular movement within the affected areas during the period.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the Edu LGA Council Media Team and Communications Strategic Unit, the council chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Bello, announced a 24-hour curfew on Gbugbu community, including the popular international market in the area.
According to the statement, the curfew took effect from 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
“The curfew is part of measures to protect lives and property as security forces continue their operations in areas of interest. Human and vehicular movement is prohibited during this period. Further reviews will be communicated,” the statement said.
Similarly, the Ifelodun Local Government Council imposed a 24-hour curfew on the entire Oro-Ago District.
In a statement on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the council chairman, Abdulquadri Jimba, the Ifelodun LGA Chairman, Hon. Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, said the curfew commenced at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
“The curfew is a coordinated effort to put terrorists in disarray and protect lives and property. There will be no human or vehicular traffic in the district during this period, in support of the ongoing security clearance operation,” the statement noted.
Confirming the development, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, said bandits were currently in disarray following sustained security operations in the affected areas.
He explained that the curfew would also help security agencies identify fleeing criminals and their informants within the communities.
“The curfew is in support of the ongoing security clearance operation in the area,” the police commissioner said.
By Hammed Shittu
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