Ifon/Ilobu Conflict: Adeleke Enforces 24-Hour Curfew In Feuding Towns

Eko Hot Blog reports that due to the escalated communal clashes between Ifon and Ilobu communities, resulting in loss of lives and property, the Osun state government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on both areas.

Previously, a curfew from 8 pm to 6 am was implemented, but it failed to prevent the crisis from escalating. In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the state government announced the new 24-hour curfew with the aim of preventing further lawlessness in these once-peaceful communities.

The statement reads: “Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed that a 24-hour Curfew begins in Orolu and Irepodun local governments housing Ifon and Ilobu communities with immediate effect.

“To maintain lasting peace and order pending the amicable resolution of the issues at hand, Governor Ademola Adeleke, in his executive capacity as the Chief Security Officer of the State, has ordered the immediate takeover of the disputed lands/areas by his administration.

“Furthermore, the government has ordered that anyone or group of persons found or seen engaging in any activity on the disputed lands/areas will face the full wrath of the law, as directed by the Osun state government.

“Therefore, in strict compliance with the 24-hour curfew now imposed, Adeleke’s administration has also ordered the strict restriction of both human and vehicular movements in the affected areas and communities until further notice from His Excellency, the state Governor and the Chief Security Officer of Osun state.

“In accordance with this, the Joint Security Task Force, comprising the Nigerian Army, Police, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, has been directed by His Excellency to maintain 24-hour surveillance of the two communities to ensure lasting peace.

“As a government, the present administration has the constitutional obligation to protect the lives and property of the people of Orolu and Irepodun local governments, and by extension, Osun state in general.

“The present administration will not in any way compromise actions or statements that could jeopardize the peace and order currently prevailing in Osun state since the inception of the present administration over the past year.

“While offering condolences to the affected families of those who lost their lives in the recent crisis, the present administration emphasizes the importance of restoring peace and order in the two concerned local governments.

“Maintaining peace and order is our collective responsibility in Osun state.”

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