Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun on Friday imposed a new 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. curfew on Ifon and Ilobu communities in Orolu and Irepodun local government areas, respectively.

Kolapo Alimi, the state commissioner for information and public enlightenment, said in a statement in Osogbo that the curfew was due to a resurgence of crisis between the two communities.

“Following a resurgence of the crisis between Ifon and Ilobu communities, Governor Ademola Adeleke, in a move to curb its further spread, has announced a new curfew time frame from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily, until lasting peace is restored,” he said.

He said the governor, however, expressed dismay over the resurgence of the crisis in the warring communities.

“Governor Ademola expressed unhappiness and dissatisfaction with the breakout of fresh communal crises in Ilobu and Ifon.

“To this end, the governor has directed that the initial 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. curfew on the communities now be extended to 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., effective today, Friday, March 21, until further notice,” he said

Mr Kolapo stated that the governor has also directed a joint security team comprising the Nigerian army, police and civil defence to continue to maintain their usual 24-hour surveillance to ensure zero tolerance for any act of lawlessness.

“In addition, the governor directed that an immediate stakeholders’ meeting, including the Olufon of Ifon, the Olobu of Ilobu, and other stakeholders from both communities, be held tomorrow, Saturday, to discuss further resolutions of the conflict,” he said.

The commissioner said the governor urged all sons and daughters of the two communities, as well as their traditional rulers, to follow the path of peace and harmonious coexistence.

He stated that anyone or group of persons found aiding and abetting the crisis would be dealt with accordingly.

Following the incessant communal clashes between the two communities, Mr Adeleke imposed a curfew a few weeks ago on both Ifon and Ilobu communities. 

(NAN)