Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has imposed a 24-hour curfew in two local government areas following a violent communal clash between Ifon and Ilobu communities. The crisis, stemming from a land dispute, has led to multiple deaths and the destruction of properties.
On Friday, three people, including a former councillor, were reportedly killed, while several others sustained gunshot wounds. The violence has also displaced many women and children in the affected areas.
In a statement on Saturday, the Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, announced that the curfew had been extended to Erin-Osun town. “Governor Adeleke has approved that the curfew be extended to Erin-Osun town. The curfew time is now 24 hours daily,” the statement read.
Security agencies, including the Military, Nigeria Police, NSCDC, Immigration, NDLEA, and Amotekun, have been directed to enforce strict compliance with the curfew to prevent further violence and restore order.
Governor Adeleke, through his spokesperson Olawale Rasheed, assured residents of Ifon and Ilobu that efforts are underway to resolve the crisis. He noted that his administration is deploying multiple peacebuilding strategies and has briefed the presidency on developments in the state.
“I assure the people of Ilobu and Ifon that I am committed to securing their lives and properties. We are on top of the situation,” Adeleke stated.
Additionally, the governor warned against the circulation of misleading videos from past conflicts. He accused opposition elements of spreading old footage to create false narratives about insecurity in the state. “The videos being circulated of violence in other towns and villages in Osun are fake news and should be disregarded by the public,” he added.
The government urged all residents to comply with the curfew and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to restore peace.
