Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has declared a 24-hour curfew in Ilobu and Ifon, two communities situated in the Orolu and Irepodun Local Government Areas of the state.
The decision comes in response to escalating communal clashes driven by land disputes, which regrettably led to the loss of eight lives on Thursday.
The announcement was made by Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, on Friday.
Alimi emphasized that the imposition of the curfew was necessary to avert further disruption of law and order in the affected areas.
“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,” the statement reads.
The government has also issued a stern warning that individuals or groups found engaging in activities on the disputed lands/areas will face the full force of the law.
In accordance with the 24-hour curfew now in effect, both human and vehicular movement in the affected communities will be strictly restricted until otherwise directed by the Governor.
In response to the current situation, the Governor has directed the joint security task force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps to maintain 24-hour surveillance of the two communities to ensure a sustainable peace.
The state government extends its condolences to the bereaved families and the victims of the recent clashes.
This decision follows a previous curfew imposed on the two Local Government Areas in September due to escalating conflicts, which was later relaxed when some semblance of peace was restored.
