Ademola Adeleke, Osun state governor has extended the 24-hour curfew imposed on Ifon and Ilobu communities to Erin Osun, following renewed communal clashes.
The conflict, which stems from a long-standing land dispute, escalated on Friday, leading to the burning of houses in Ifon and Ilobu, both in Orolu and Irepodun LGAs of the state.
In a statement on Saturday, Adeleke described the resurgence of violence in the three communities as “disturbing”.
“I have received with great sadness disturbing footage and security reports of a resurgence of the age-long communal clashes between Ifon, Ilobu, and now Erin Osun communities within the past 24 hours,” he wrote on X.
“Following extensive consultations with heads of security agencies working tirelessly to prevent further escalation, I hereby declare an immediate 24-hour curfew in the affected communities of Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun, effective immediately and until further notice.”
The governor noted that he has deployed a joint security operation involving the Nigerian army, the police, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Amotekun, and other agencies for “round-the-clock surveillance”.
He sympathised with those affected by the clashes, assuring residents that perpetrators would be held accountable.
Adeleke also summoned an emergency stakeholders’ meeting with traditional rulers, including Peter Akinyooye, the Olufon of Ifon; Ashiru Olaniyan, the Olobu of Ilobu; and Yusuf Oyagbodun, the Elerin of Erin Osun, alongside other key figures, to find a lasting solution to the crisis.
“I urge all sons and daughters of these communities, alongside their traditional rulers, to embrace peace and coexist harmoniously,” he added.
“Any individual or group found inciting violence or aiding this unrest will be dealt with accordingly.”
The governor stressed the need for collective efforts to restore peace and prevent further destruction. (The Cable)
