News Update
THE Osun State Government has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Ifon and Ilobu communities following renewed communal clashes.
The curfew, which takes effect immediately, will run from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. daily until further notice.
Governor Ademola Adeleke also ordered the deployment of security forces to the affected areas to prevent further unrest. He directed the immediate arrest of those responsible for the crisis.
The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, announced the measures in a statement on Thursday in Osogbo. According to the statement:
“Following the outbreak of another communal clash between the people of Ifon and Ilobu, the Osun State Government has taken the following decisions aimed at ensuring lasting peace in the warring communities.
“That a contingent of all security personnel, comprising the Army, Police, and Civil Defence, has been, accordingly, deployed to the warring communities to forestall further anarchy.
“That all stakeholders in the areas are advised to cooperate with the State Government to resolve the issues amicably, ensuring lasting peace.
“That an enlarged Committee of Stakeholders, which shall consist of representatives of the communities, the Service Chiefs, the representatives of the State Council of Obas, and other relevant bodies, be immediately constituted to resolve the issue permanently.
“Finally, anyone or group of persons found or caught doing or instigating any further violence, knowingly or unknowingly, in breach of lasting peace, would be made to face the full wrath of the law, via necessary prosecution, in line with the dictates of the law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The clashes reportedly began on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, with gunfire in the Apiponroro area of Ifon, leaving two residents injured. According to the Ifon Progressive Union, the attack was allegedly carried out by individuals from the neighboring Ilobu community.
However, Ilobu leaders have denied these allegations. Chief Leke Ogunsola, the Otun Jagun of Ilobu, claimed, “Gunmen from Ifon attacked Ilobu residents in the early hours of Tuesday.”
The government has urged residents of both communities to cooperate fully with authorities and allow the measures to restore peace.