Osun State Government Imposes Curfew on Warring Communities
In an effort to restore peace and order, the Osun State Government has imposed a 12-hour curfew on the warring communities of Ilobu and Ifon. The curfew, which takes effect immediately, will run from 7pm to 7am daily until further notice.
The decision to impose the curfew was made following renewed communal clashes between the two towns. The latest clashes allegedly began when gunmen from Ilobu stormed the Apiponroro area of Ifon, shooting sporadically and causing panic among residents.
According to the Ifon Progressive Union, the umbrella body of Ifon-Orolu indigenes, the attacks began in the early hours of Tuesday. The union's Secretary, Jide Akinyooye, reported that gunshots were heard 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 these allegations, instead accusing Ifon gunmen of initiating the attacks on Ilobu. Ogunsola claimed that Ilobu residents living in Ganga and Apiponroro were attacked by gunmen from Ifon, forcing them to defend themselves.
In response to the clashes, the Osun State Government has deployed a contingent of security personnel, including the Army, Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to the affected areas. The government has also urged all parties to support efforts to resolve the conflict permanently.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the state government announced the imposition of the curfew. 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."
The statement further emphasized the government's commitment to fostering peace and resolving the conflict. Governor Ademola Adeleke reiterated his administration's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of their community or ethnicity.
The imposition of the curfew is the latest effort by the state government to restore peace to the warring communities. In December 2023, Governor Adeleke lifted a curfew imposed on the communities after a peace agreement was reached. However, the latest clashes have necessitated the reimposition of the curfew.
As the situation continues to unfold, residents of the affected communities have been advised to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel. The Osun State Government has assured citizens that it will do everything in its power to ensure their safety and security.
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