Osun gov imposes curfew over communal conflict

Abdullateef Fowewe

Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke has imposed fresh curfew on two local governments in the State over fresh communal clash.

This was made known in a statement on Friday by the State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Alimi.

The statement noted that the curfew which takes effect with immediate effect will be from 6 PM to 6 AM daily until lasting peace is restored.

Dailyeconomy gathered that many people were feared killed and others displaced following a resurgence of the crisis between Ilobu and Ifon.

The statement said, “His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, has expressed unhappiness and dissatisfaction with the breakout of fresh communal crises in Ilobu and Ifon.

“To this end, the Governor has directed that the initial 10PM to 4AM curfew now be extended to 6PM to 6AM, effective today, Friday, 21st March 2025, until further notice.

“Mr. Governor has equally directed that the joint security team comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps continue to maintain their usual 24-hour surveillance to ensure zero tolerance for any act of lawlessness.”

However, Adeleke has directed that an immediate stakeholders’ meeting, including the Olufon of Ifon, HRM Oba Peter Oluwole Akinyooye, HRM Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan, the Olobu of Ilobu, and other stakeholders from both communities, be held tomorrow, Saturday, to discuss further resolutions of the conflict.

“Finally, His Excellency urges all sons and daughters of the two communities, as well as their traditional rulers, to follow the path of peace and harmonious co-existence.

“Anyone or group of persons found aiding and abetting the pogrom will be dealt with accordingly,” it added.