Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has imposed a curfew in 10 local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park following the recent abduction of dozens of students and teachers in the state.

The decision comes amid growing security concerns over reports that the victims are being held by bandits within the national park, which has become a source of anxiety for residents of surrounding communities.

According to reports, 39 students and seven teachers were kidnapped last month in communities within Oriire Local Government Area.

Announcing the development on Tuesday, the state government said a 16-hour curfew would be enforced across the affected local government areas. The directive was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, and made available through the Governor's Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju.

The statement noted that the curfew will take effect from Wednesday, June 24, 2026, and will run daily from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. for an initial period of 48 hours.

The affected local government areas are Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo and Atiba.

The state government said the measure is aimed at strengthening security operations in the area and facilitating efforts to rescue the abducted students and teachers.