- Governor Ademola Adeleke enforces a 24-hour curfew in Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun communities due to escalating communal clashes
- A joint task force has been deployed for 24-hour surveillance to maintain order
- Governor Adeleke urges residents to embrace unity and the Omoluabi values of peaceful coexistence
The ongoing communal clashes between the Ifon and Ilobu communities in Osun State have intensified, spreading to the neighbouring Erin-Osun community.
In response to the escalating violence, Governor Ademola Adeleke has imposed a 24-hour curfew on the affected areas, aiming to restore peace and prevent further destruction.
Governor Adeleke had initially implemented a 12-hour curfew (6 PM to 6 AM) following reports of violence and displacement within the communities.
However, as the conflict worsened and extended to Erin-Osun, the state government swiftly upgraded the restrictions to a full 24-hour curfew.
In a statement signed by Osun Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the governor expressed deep concern over the resurgence of the crisis and reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding lives and properties.
He directed security agencies to enforce strict compliance with the curfew while ensuring the safety of all residents.
To maintain law and order, a joint security task force, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Immigration Service, NDLEA, and Amotekun, has been mobilised for 24-hour surveillance in the affected communities.
Additionally, Governor Adeleke has scheduled an urgent stakeholders' meeting to address the crisis and work toward a lasting resolution.
The meeting, set for Saturday, March 22, 2025, will bring together key traditional rulers and community leaders, including the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Peter Oluwole Akinyooye, and the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan.
Osun govt warns against misinformation regarding clash
The Osun State Government has also raised concerns over the circulation of misleading videos depicting past communal conflicts, warning the public against falling for misinformation aimed at discrediting the state’s efforts in maintaining security.
“We assure the people of Ilobu, Ifon, and Erin-Osun that we are committed to securing their lives and properties.
“While the ongoing conflict is regrettable, all hands are on deck to stop the violence. We urge the public to disregard old videos being shared to create unnecessary panic,” the governor stated
Governor Adeleke urged all residents to embrace peace, emphasising the importance of unity and the Omoluabi ethos, a core Yoruba value that promotes respect, responsibility, and harmonious coexistence.
Former councillor loses life as Ifon, Ilobu communal clash erupts again
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that a former councillor from Ifon Orolu in Osun State, identified as Azeez, had reportedly been killed as violent clashes between the Ifon and Ilobu communities erupted again over ongoing boundary disputes.
The exact circumstances of Azeez’s death remain unclear, but it had been confirmed that he was pronounced dead at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, on Friday, March 21.