Amid renewed clashes between the neighboring Ilobu and Ifon communities, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in a bid to restore peace and prevent further violence.
The conflict escalated following reports from the Ifon Progressive Union, which alleged that armed men from Ilobu invaded the Apiponroro area, causing widespread panic. Jide Akinyooye, Secretary of the Board of Trustees for the union, stated that gunfire erupted in Odoje and Golden Gate areas of Ifon in the early hours of Tuesday, forcing many residents to flee their homes.
However, Chief Goke Ogunsola, the Otun Jagun of Ilobu, countered these claims, insisting that Ilobu residents were the ones under attack. He urged the state government to protect Ilobu from what he described as hostile incursions by Ifon gunmen, adding that residents along the boundary had reported repeated assaults.
In response to the escalating situation, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, announced that the curfew, which runs from 7 PM to 7 AM daily, would take immediate effect. Security forces, including the Army, Police, and Civil Defence, have been deployed to contain the violence and prevent further anarchy.
The government also announced plans to establish a stakeholder committee comprising representatives from both communities, security agencies, traditional rulers, and other relevant bodies, tasked with finding a lasting resolution to the crisis.
Additionally, authorities issued a stern warning, stating that any individuals or groups found inciting violence or disrupting peace efforts will face legal consequences in accordance with national laws.
The state government has urged all residents to cooperate with security forces and embrace dialogue as efforts continue to restore stability in the affected areas.
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