Governor Adeleke Reimposes Curfew In Ifon And Ilobu Amid Renewed Clashes.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has reinstated a 12-hour curfew in the crisis-hit communities of Ifon and Ilobu following a fresh outbreak of violence. The decision comes after renewed clashes between the two communities, prompting the state government to enforce stricter security measures.
The State Commissioner for Information and Public Engagement, Kolapo Alimi, announced on Friday that the curfew would now be in effect from 6 pm to 6 am daily until further notice. This follows an earlier relaxation of restrictions after initial signs of normalcy, which have now been disrupted by renewed hostilities.
To contain the escalating violence, Governor Adeleke has deployed a joint security team comprising the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps for 24-hour surveillance in the affected areas.
“The governor has directed that the initial 10 pm to 4 am curfew now be extended to 6 pm to 6 am, effective today, Friday, 21st March 2025, until further notice,” Alimi stated.
In addition to the curfew, an emergency meeting has been scheduled for Saturday, 22nd March 2025, to seek a lasting resolution to the crisis. The meeting will bring together key stakeholders, including the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Peter Oluwole Akinyooye, and the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan.
Governor Adeleke has urged residents and traditional rulers to embrace peace, warning that anyone found instigating violence will face severe consequences.
“The government will not tolerate any act of lawlessness. Anyone or group found aiding and abetting the pogrom will be dealt with accordingly,” the governor warned.
The latest violence has already resulted in casualties, including the reported killing of a former councillor from Ifon, identified as Azeez. He was allegedly shot and later confirmed dead at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital in Osogbo. Several houses were also set ablaze in the wake of the clashes.
Residents from both communities have continued to trade blame over the conflict. Yusuf Adekunle, media aide to the Olufon of Ifon, accused Ilobu residents of initiating the attack, stating, “Ilobu people are responsible for this crisis. They launched the attack that led to this bloodshed.”
However, Adegoke Ogunsola, the Otun Jagun of Ilobu, refuted the claim, insisting that Ifon residents were the aggressors. “It was the Ifon people who first launched an attack on our residents. Many of our people sustained injuries as a result of their actions,” he countered.
As tensions persist, security forces remain on high alert, and the Osun State Government has reiterated its commitment to restoring peace and ensuring that justice prevails.
