Osun State Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew with immediate effect to restore order, following the resurgence of communal tensions between the Ifon and Ilobu communities,
The directive was announced on Thursday in a press statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, in Osogbo, the state capital.
To prevent further escalation, the governor approved a 7 pm to 7 am curfew, effective from Thursday, January 16, 2025.
The measure is part of a broader effort to quell the unrest and ensure the safety of residents.
The statement detailed the government’s actions as follows:
A 7 pm to 7 am curfew will be strictly enforced until further notice.
A combined security team comprising the Army, Police, and Civil Defence has been deployed to the affected areas to prevent further anarchy.
Stakeholders in the communities are urged to cooperate with the state government in finding an amicable resolution.
An expanded committee of stakeholders, including representatives of the warring communities, service chiefs, the State Council of Obas, and other relevant bodies, will be established to find a permanent solution to the conflict.
The statement also carried a stern warning to potential instigators of violence:
“Anyone or group of persons found inciting or engaging in further violence will face the full weight of the law through prosecution in line with the legal framework of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The government called on all parties involved to embrace peace and work towards a lasting resolution to the conflict.
