Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has reinstated a 12-hour curfew in Ifon and Ilobu communities following renewed violent clashes between the two warring towns.
The state Commissioner for Information and Public Engagement, Kolapo Alimi, announced the curfew extension in a statement on Friday. The restriction, now in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily, will remain in place until further notice.
Governor Adeleke has also summoned an urgent peace meeting with traditional rulers, including the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Peter Akinyooye, and the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan, alongside key stakeholders from both communities. The meeting is scheduled for Saturday, March 22, to discuss long-term solutions to the ongoing conflict.
To enforce the curfew and prevent further violence, the governor has ordered a 24-hour security presence in the area, involving personnel from the Nigerian Army, Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Adeleke urged residents and their leaders to embrace peace, warning that anyone caught inciting violence or aiding the conflict would face severe consequences.
The renewed hostilities erupted on Friday, resulting in the death of a former councillor from Ifon, identified as Azeez, who reportedly died after being shot. While the circumstances of his death remain unclear, a source in Ifon stated that he was confirmed dead at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital in Osogbo.
The clashes also led to the destruction of several houses, further escalating tensions.
Reacting to the violence, Yusuf Adekunle, media aide to the Olufon of Ifon, accused Ilobu residents of orchestrating the attack. However, the Otun Jagun of Ilobu, Adegoke Ogunsola, dismissed the claim, alleging that Ifon residents were the aggressors and had inflicted injuries on several people.
The Osun State government had initially relaxed the curfew after observing a return to peace. However, with the latest outbreak of violence, the authorities are taking swift action to restore order.
