Curfew stays in Osun warring communities until peace returns, declares govt

 Osun Government Reaffirms Commitment to Ending Ilobu-Ifon Orolu Communal Crisis

The Osun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the ongoing conflict between the Ilobu and Ifon Orolu communities, emphasizing that the curfew imposed on the area will remain in effect until lasting peace is achieved.

The 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM curfew was enacted by Governor Ademola Adeleke last Thursday following renewed violence between the two communities. The clashes resulted in multiple injuries and the tragic death of a polytechnic student in Ilobu, prompting the deployment of security forces, including the Army, Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to restore order.

Government’s Approach to Resolving the Crisis

Speaking on Sunday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr. Samuel Ojo, confirmed that relative peace had returned to the area. However, he stressed that the government is taking a strategic approach to prevent future hostilities.

“For now, the two communities have agreed to cease hostilities, and the government is actively working to bring both sides to a lasting resolution. A high-powered committee, including representatives from both communities, traditional rulers, and key members of the state government and judiciary, will soon be established to find a permanent solution,” Ojo stated.

Curfew to Remain in Place

On the possibility of lifting the curfew, Ojo clarified:

“The state government has no plans to lift the curfew at this time. Any reconsideration will only happen once the committee is fully operational and we are confident that peace has been completely restored. Until then, the current restrictions remain in place.”

Call for More Effective Peacebuilding Efforts

Meanwhile, the World Institute for Peace, a non-governmental organization, has urged the Osun State Government to take stronger action in addressing the root causes of the conflict.

In a statement released on Sunday, Executive Director Lamina Kamiludeen expressed concern over the repeated resurgence of violence, attributing it to insufficient engagement and mediation efforts after previous clashes.

“The Osun State Government has both the authority and resources to intervene effectively. We urge them to prioritize the formation of a specialized peace-building committee consisting of experts in conflict resolution, security, and humanitarian affairs. This should not be left in the hands of politically exposed individuals who may lack the expertise needed for effective mediation.”

The organization called for proactive measures to tackle the underlying issues fueling the hostility, urging the government to act decisively to ensure lasting peace in Ilobu and Ifon Orolu.