Governor Seyi Makinde has declared a 16-hour curfew across 10 local government areas in Oyo State following the recent abduction of 39 students and seven teachers.

The security measure targets municipalities surrounding the Old Oyo National Park, a vast reserve where bandits are reportedly holding the hostages.

The affected educators and students were seized last month from various communities within the Oriire Local Government Area.

The restriction was announced late Tuesday in a statement by the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, and distributed by the Governor`s Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju and available to THENEWSCREDIT 

The directive takes effect today, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Residents must remain indoors between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. daily.

State officials confirmed that the curfew will last for an initial 48 hours while security agencies conduct tactical operations.

THENEWSCREDIT reports that,the containment zone spans the following council areas:Oriire (Ikoyi-Ile)Orelope (Igboho)Irepo (Kisi)Saki West (Saki)Saki East (Ago-Amodu)Atisbo (Tede/Ago-Are)Itesiwaju (Otu)Iseyin (Iseyin)Olorunsogo (Igbeti)Atiba (Offa-Meta)

Local leaders have long voiced concerns regarding the porous boundaries of the national park. Security forces have now sealed the perimeters of these locations to restrict bandit mobility and facilitate rescue efforts.