The communal clashes between Ifon and Ilobu communities intensified on Saturday, spreading further to Erin Osun. In response, Governor Ademola Adeleke has imposed a 24-hour curfew on the affected areas.
Initially, a 12-hour curfew was enforced due to the violence, which has resulted in the displacement of many residents. Numerous displaced individuals were seen in Okinni on Saturday, with some, including those from northern communities, leaving the area in buses.
A statement released by the spokesperson to the Osun State Governor, Olawale Rasheed, outlined measures taken to prevent further violence, stating, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has intensified efforts to de-escalate the conflict between Ifon and Ilobu by imposing a 24-hour curfew, deploying a joint security task force, and facilitating a peace agreement between the two communities.”
The governor reassured the people of Ilobu and Ifon of his commitment to ensuring their safety and protecting their properties. He also confirmed that the presidency has been updated on the situation and that proactive steps are being taken to maintain order.
Additionally, the state government warned against misinformation, stating that certain opposition groups were circulating outdated videos of past communal conflicts to spread false narratives about the security situation. It urged the public to disregard such misleading content and assured that efforts were ongoing to restore peace in the affected communities.
