Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Ilobu, Ifon, and Erin-Osun communities to curb the ongoing communal clashes and prevent further violence.
The curfew, which takes effect immediately, replaces the initial 6 PM to 6 AM restriction previously enforced. In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi,
the governor expressed deep concern over the escalation of violence, which has now extended to Erin-Osun.
“His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, is saddened by the worsening clashes between Ilobu and Ifon communities. To ensure peace, the curfew has been extended to Erin-Osun and will now be enforced round the clock until further notice,” the statement read.
Governor Adeleke has directed a joint security task force, including the Nigerian Army, Police, Civil Defence, Immigration, NDLEA, and AMOTEKUN, to maintain strict surveillance and enforce the curfew to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
Additionally, the governor has summoned an emergency stakeholders’ meeting, including the Olufon of Ifon, HRM Oba Peter Oluwole Akinyooye, and the Olobu of Ilobu, HRM Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan, to discuss resolutions to the conflict.
Meanwhile, the Ilobu community has called on President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director of the Department of State Security, Adeola Ajayi, to intervene, citing incessant attacks by neighboring communities.
Pastor Olufemi Salako, National President of the Ilobu Development Union (IDU), claimed that the crisis has resulted in multiple casualties, displaced over 100,000 people, and caused damages exceeding N2 billion.
“We are defenseless and uncertain about what will happen next. We urge the Federal Government and NEMA to provide urgent assistance for the affected individuals and businesses,” Salako stated.
He further alleged that Ifon-Osun forces were planning to sustain the attacks and criticized the leadership of Oba Peter Ipadeola Akinyooye for escalating the crisis.
Governor Adeleke has urged all parties to embrace peace and work towards coexistence, warning that the state government will take all necessary actions to prevent further bloodshed.
