Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has announced a new curfew in the communities of Ilobu and Ifon following a resurgence of violence between the two towns. The curfew, effective from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am daily, aims to curb the ongoing clashes and restore peace.
The communal tensions reportedly escalated on Tuesday, with allegations of gunmen from both communities engaging in attacks. The Ifon Progressive Union, a group representing the interests of Ifon-Orolu indigenes, claimed that armed individuals from Ilobu invaded the Apiponroro area, firing weapons indiscriminately and creating fear among residents.
Speaking on the situation, Jide Akinyooye, Secretary of the union’s Board of Trustees, stated that the attacks extended to areas such as Odoje and Golden Gate in Ifon. He described how the violence displaced several residents who fled their homes to seek safety.
On the other hand, Ilobu representatives have rejected these claims, alleging that Ifon gunmen initiated the attacks.
Chief Goke Ogunsola, the Otun Jagun of Ilobu, asserted that their community members were ambushed by attackers from Ifon in Ganga and Apiponroro. Ogunsola further accused Ifon leaders of issuing threats, saying, “Our people living in Ganga and Apiponroro called to report that gunmen from Ifon laid siege on them. Those attacked had to protect themselves in the best way possible.”
In response to the escalating crisis, the state government has deployed security forces, including the Army, Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to the affected areas. The government emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and preventing further violence.
Kolapo Alimi, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, released a statement reiterating the government’s dedication to peace. He explained that the curfew and deployment of security personnel are part of efforts to resolve the crisis permanently.
Governor Adeleke appealed to both communities to embrace peace and cooperate with the government’s initiatives. He assured residents that his administration remains committed to fostering harmony and addressing the root causes of the conflict.
