To curb the probable further spread of the dispute between the Ifon and Ilobu communities, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has imposed a daily curfew from dusk to dawn on the two communities.
It will be in force until lasting peace is restored.
This was contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi,
The new time replaced the curfew imposed two weeks ago to check the outbreak of incessant communal clashes between the two communities.
According to the new statement: “His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, has 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 10PM to 4AM curfew now be extended to 6PM to 6AM, effective today, Friday, 21st March 2025, until further notice.
“Mr. Governor has equally directed that the joint security team comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps continue to maintain their usual 24-hour surveillance to ensure zero tolerance for any act of lawlessness.”
“In addition, the Governor has directed that an immediate stakeholders’ meeting, including the Olufon of Ifon, HRM Oba Peter Oluwole Akinyooye, HRM Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan, the Olobu of Ilobu, and other stakeholders from both communities, be held tomorrow, Saturday, 22nd March 2025, to discuss further resolutions of the conflict.
“Finally, His Excellency urges all sons and daughters of the two communities, as well as their traditional rulers, to follow the path of peace and harmonious co-existence. Anyone or group of persons found aiding and abetting the pogrom will be dealt with accordingly.”
Also, the Governor, in another statement by his spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, directed immediate security operations aimed at restoring peace between both disputing communities.
He directed the security team to step in and stop the clashes and restore peace immediately enjoined the joint security task force to step in immediately and stop the clashes.
Besides, Adeleke charged the task force to arrest the ring leaders for prosecution, as he condemned attempts by politicians to aggravate the dispute.
A person reportedly died, while some houses were also reportedly razed in the resurged land dispute between both communities.
