Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has ordered a reduction in the 24-hour curfew imposed on Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun due to ongoing communal clashes. The curfew, initially set for a full day, has now been adjusted to 17 hours daily to allow residents some relief.
The affected communities have been embroiled in a long-standing dispute over land ownership, leading to repeated violence and instability. In an effort to control the situation and restore order, the government had initially placed a round-the-clock curfew. However, in response to concerns over the hardships this restriction imposed, Governor Adeleke has now eased the curfew.
A statement released by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Friday confirmed that the new curfew schedule will be from 2 PM to 7 AM until further notice. The statement noted that the adjustment aims to “alleviate the suffering of residents of the three towns and provide an opportunity for them to attend to their immediate needs.”
While acknowledging the reduction in violence, Governor Adeleke expressed concern over reports of another killing in the area. Law enforcement officials have already made an arrest related to the incident, and the governor warned that anyone caught instigating further violence would face legal consequences.
Security agencies remain on high alert, with the governor instructing the joint security task force to continue their 24-hour patrols to prevent any resurgence of conflict. Authorities are expected to maintain a strong presence in the region to deter any further disruptions.
Additionally, Governor Adeleke has directed the state emergency agency to step up assistance for displaced residents. This includes providing food, shelter, and other necessary aid to those affected by the crisis.
