Communal dispute: Osun Govt reduces curfew to 12 hours in Ilobu, Ifon

Ademola Adeleke, the governor of Osun State, has issued an order that the 24-hour curfew that had previously been placed on the two communities of Ifon and Ilobu because of their conflict reduce to 12 hours.

The state administration is said to have noticed a situation of near absolute calm and harmony amongst both communities in the aftermath of the recent communal confrontations. As a result, the state government has issued the decision.

According to a statement that was released on Tuesday and signed by Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, the most recent order issued by the governor was based on the peace accord that was signed on Saturday by the communities that are located in the Orolu and Irepodun local government areas.

The accord encouraged both groups to put their differences behind them and work toward establishing a long-term peace.

The following is an excerpt from the statement: “Governor Adeleke, however, maintains and re-emphasizes his earlier directive of taking complete possession by his administration of the disputed lands until the impasse is finally seen to have been amicably brought to an end by the natives.”

“Therefore, the formerly 24-hour curfew, which was in effect from nightfall until morning, has now been instructed by the governor to be in effect between the hours of 6 am and 6 pm every day.

“The administration of Senator Ademola Adeleke is delighted to report that the two communities are progressively embracing the need to promote peace and harmony. This is based on the recent peace pact signed by the Ifon and Ilobu communities of Orolu and Irepodun local governments, respectively.

“Premised on this, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, the Executive Governor of Osun State, in his role as the Chief Security Officer of the state, has eased the 24-hour curfew to 12 hours everyday, commencing at 6 am and ending at 6 pm with immediate alacrity. This is in his capacity as the Chief Security Officer of the state.

In addition, Governor Adeleke issued an order to the joint security task force, which is comprised of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, and other security agencies, instructing them to maintain their customary 24-hour surveillance of the communities of Ifon, Ilobu, and Olokanla.

The governor went on to issue the following warning: “Anyone or group of persons found or caught doing or instigating any act, knowingly or unknowingly, to mortgage the lasting peace that is currently being envisioned in the warring communities would be made to face the music, via necessary prosecution, in line with the dictate of the law of Nigeria.”