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Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has imposed a fresh curfew on the warring communities of Ilobu and Ifon following renewed communal clashes between the towns.
The Ifon Progressive Union, the umbrella body of Ifon-Orolu indigenes, alleged that gunmen from Ilobu stormed the Apiponroro area, shooting sporadically and causing panic among residents.
Providing more details, the Secretary of the union’s Board of Trustees, Jide Akinyooye, said the latest attacks began in the early hours of Tuesday. He noted that gunshots were reported in the Odoje and Golden Gate areas of Ifon, leading to displacement as residents fled their homes in fear.
However, the Otun Jagun of Ilobu, Chief Goke Ogunsola, denied the allegations, accusing Ifon gunmen of initiating the attacks on Ilobu.
“Our people living in Ganga and Apiponroro called to report that gunmen from Ifon laid siege on them. Those attacked had to protect themselves in the best way possible. On Monday, during a meeting, Olufon issued threats to us,” Ogunsola claimed.
He called on the state government to intervene decisively, adding, “We are a peace-loving community. It is Ifon that keeps attacking us.”
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the state government announced a 12-hour curfew, effective immediately. The curfew will run from 7pm to 7am daily until further notice.
The government also deployed a contingent of security personnel, including the Army, Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to the affected areas to prevent further violence.
The statement read, “Following the outbreak of another communal clash between the people of Ifon and Ilobu, the Osun State Government has taken the following decisions aimed at ensuring lasting peace in the affected communities
“A 7pm to 7am curfew is imposed with immediate effect starting today, Thursday, January 16, 2025, until further notice.
Adeleke reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering peace and urged all parties to support efforts to resolve the conflict permanently.
