Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has imposed a fresh curfew on the Ilobu and Ifon communities following a violent clash between the two neighbouring towns. The curfew, which is set to last from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily, aims to curb the escalating violence and restore peace in the region.
The clash was reportedly triggered by an attack on the Apiponroro area of Ifon, which the Ifon-Orolu Progressive Union claims was carried out by gunmen from Ilobu. The Secretary of the Board of Trustees for the union, Jide Akinyooye, described the incident as beginning in the early hours of Tuesday, with gunshots heard in the Odoje and Golden Gate areas of Ifon. The violence caused widespread panic, displacing many residents.
In response, the Otun Jagun of Ilobu, Chief Goke Ogunsola, refuted the allegations, instead accusing gunmen from Ifon of launching attacks on Ilobu residents. He called for the state government to protect Ilobu from further aggression, claiming that the community had been under siege from gunmen from Ifon. Ogunsola also stated that a meeting held in Ilobu had resulted in threats from the Olufon of Ifon.
The state government swiftly intervened, deploying a contingent of security personnel from the Army, Police, and Civil Defence to the affected areas to prevent further violence. A statement by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, confirmed that the curfew would remain in effect until further notice. Alimi urged all stakeholders in the affected communities to cooperate with the government in efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully.
Additionally, a committee comprising representatives from the warring communities, security agencies, and the State Council of Obas has been established to mediate and work toward a permanent resolution. The government warned that anyone found instigating further violence would face legal consequences.
The imposition of the curfew and the heightened security presence aim to restore calm and prevent further bloodshed in the region, which has seen recurring clashes between Ilobu and Ifon in recent months.
