Governor Seyi Makinde has imposed a curfew across 10 local government areas in Oyo State following growing security concerns linked to the abduction of students and teachers in parts of the state.
ANN reports that the decision comes amid intensified efforts by security agencies to rescue dozens of victims kidnapped in communities around the Old Oyo National Park axis, an area that has increasingly come under scrutiny over rising criminal activities.
The state government announced that the affected local government areas are those located around the Old Oyo National Park, which authorities believe has become a major hideout for criminal elements operating in the region.
The move follows reports that kidnapped students and teachers taken from communities in Oriire Local Government Area are being held within or around the forest corridors linked to the park.
Last month, armed bandits reportedly abducted 39 students and seven teachers during attacks in parts of Oriire Local Government Area, sparking fear among residents and renewed calls for stronger security intervention.
In response to the worsening situation, Makinde approved a temporary restriction of movement in 10 local government areas to support ongoing security operations and prevent further attacks.
The curfew was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde.
The statement was made available to Journalists through the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
According to the government, the curfew will take effect from Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
Authorities said the restriction will run daily from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. for an initial period of 48 hours.
Residents in the affected areas have been advised to comply fully with the directive and cooperate with security personnel deployed across the region.
The government said the measure is necessary to strengthen surveillance, improve intelligence gathering, and support ongoing rescue efforts.
The affected local government areas are Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo and Atiba.
Security presence has also been increased in the affected communities as authorities work to contain the situation and restore calm.
