Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has imposed a curfew on the Ilobu and Ifon communities following a resurgence of violence between the two neighboring towns. The curfew, which will run from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily, is intended to curb the escalating unrest and restore peace to the region.
The latest clash reportedly began with an attack on the Apiponroro area of Ifon, which the Ifon-Orolu Progressive Union has blamed on gunmen from Ilobu. Jide Akinyooye, Secretary of the union’s Board of Trustees, said the violence erupted early Tuesday, with gunfire reported in the Odoje and Golden Gate areas of Ifon, causing panic and displacing many residents.
In response, Chief Goke Ogunsola, Otun Jagun of Ilobu, denied the allegations, instead accusing gunmen from Ifon of attacking Ilobu. He called on the state government to ensure the safety of Ilobu residents, claiming the community had been under siege by attackers from Ifon. Ogunsola also mentioned that a recent meeting in Ilobu had led to threats from the Olufon of Ifon.
The state government quickly intervened, deploying security forces including the Army, Police, and Civil Defence to the affected areas to prevent further violence. Kolapo Alimi, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, confirmed the curfew would remain in effect until further notice and urged all parties involved to cooperate in efforts to peacefully resolve the conflict.
A committee has been established to mediate the dispute, comprising representatives from both communities, security agencies, and the State Council of Obas. The government warned that anyone found inciting violence would face legal consequences.
The curfew and increased security presence are aimed at restoring calm and preventing further bloodshed in a region that has experienced frequent clashes between Ilobu and Ifon in recent months.
