Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke announced a new curfew for Ilobu and Ifon on Thursday following renewed violent conflicts between the neighbouring towns.
The Ifon Progressive Union, representing the indigenes of Ifon-Orolu in Osun State, claimed that armed men from Ilobu invaded the Apiponroro area, firing shots and creating fear among residents.
Jide Akinyooye, the Secretary of the Board of Trustees for Ifon-Orolu Progressive Union, said that the recent assault on the town began early Tuesday morning with gunfire heard in the Odoje and Golden Gate areas of Ifon, adding that many residents were displaced while attempting to escape these areas.
In an update regarding the government’s response to the situation, the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr Kolapo Alimi, released a statement in Osogbo on Thursday, announcing that the curfew will be effective from 7 pm to 7 am daily.
“Following the outbreak of another communal clash between the people of Ifon and Ilobu, Osun State government has made the following decisions to ensure lasting peace in the warring communities.
“That a 7pm to 7am curfew be imposed with immediate effect starting from today, Thursday, the 16th of January 2025 until further notice. All stakeholders in the areas are advised to cooperate with the state government to resolve the issues amicably at ensuring lasting peace.”
Additionally, the government said that a joint team of security forces, including the Army, Police, and Civil Defence, has been dispatched to the conflict-affected communities to prevent further chaos.
