Governor Seyi Makinde has imposed a 16-hour daily curfew in 10 local government areas of Oyo State as part of intensified measures to address security challenges following the abduction of students and teachers in the state.

According to a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Musibau Babatunde, the curfew takes effect from Wednesday and will run from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. daily for an initial period of two days.

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

While the government did not officially link the restriction to a specific incident, the affected councils are located around the axis bordering the Old Oyo National Park, where gunmen reportedly abducted more than 40 students and teachers on May 15.

The victims were kidnapped from schools in Oriire Local Government Area and remain in captivity despite ongoing rescue efforts by security agencies.

The incident has triggered widespread concern across the state, prompting the Nigeria Union of Teachers to embark on an indefinite strike since June 1. The action has led to the closure of public primary and secondary schools, disrupting academic activities for thousands of students.

Speaking during a protest in Ibadan earlier this month, Makinde reiterated his administration’s commitment to securing the release of the abducted students and teachers, assuring residents that all available measures are being deployed to ensure their safe return.

The governor maintained that protecting lives remains a top priority, while commending parents, teachers and demonstrators for conducting their protests peacefully amid growing calls for an end to the crisis.