Gov Adeleke imposes curfew on 2 Osun communities amid rising tensions

In response to renewed hostilities between the Ifon and Ilobu communities, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has imposed a curfew on both areas to curb further violence.

The affected communities, located in Orolu and Irepodun Local Government Areas, have been embroiled in clashes that threaten peace and stability in the region.

Announcing the directive in a statement issued in Osogbo on Friday, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preventing further escalation of the crisis.

“Following a resurgence of the crisis between Ifon and Ilobu communities, Gov. Ademola Adeleke, in a move to curb its further spread, has announced a new curfew time frame from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily, until lasting peace is restored,” he said.

Expressing deep concern over the renewed violence, the governor condemned the fresh outbreak of communal clashes.

“Gov. Ademola expressed unhappiness and dissatisfaction with the breakout of fresh communal crises in Ilobu and Ifon.

“To this end, the governor has directed that the initial 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. curfew on the communities now be extended to 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., effective today, Friday, March 21, until further notice,” Alimi stated.

The commissioner further revealed that a joint security team, comprising the Nigerian Army, Police, and Civil Defence, had been instructed to sustain 24-hour surveillance in the affected areas to uphold law and order.

“In addition, the governor directed that an immediate stakeholders’ meeting, including the Olufon of Ifon, the Olobu of Ilobu, and other stakeholders from both communities, be held tomorrow, Saturday, to discuss further resolutions of the conflict,” he added.

Governor Adeleke called on residents, traditional rulers, and all stakeholders to embrace peace.