Osun State Tensions Escalate: Governor Adeleke Extends Curfew Amid Rising Conflict

Curfew Tightened as Violence Flares Between Communities

Let me tell you what's going on in Osun State right now. The tension between the Ifon and Ilobu communities has reached a boiling point, forcing Governor Ademola Adeleke to tighten the screws by extending the curfew. This isn't just a minor issue—it's a serious escalation that demands immediate action.

According to Naija News, early Friday morning saw a shocking outbreak of violence. At least 30 people were injured, and countless families, including women and children, have been forced to flee their homes. This is no longer just a dispute; it's a full-blown crisis that's affecting innocent lives.

Root Causes of the Conflict

The heart of the matter lies in a long-standing land dispute between Ifon, located in the Orolu Local Government Area, and Ilobu, in the Irepodun Local Government Area. Despite past attempts to resolve the issue, the situation has only gotten worse. It's like a wound that keeps reopening, and the people caught in the middle are paying the price.

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Realizing the gravity of the situation, Governor Adeleke has decided to take drastic measures. He extended the curfew from its original 10 PM to 4 AM timeframe to a much stricter 6 PM to 6 AM restriction. This means the affected areas will be under lockdown for 12 hours a day, giving law enforcement a better chance to restore order.

Government Steps In

The governor wasted no time in making his decision official. Through a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the governor expressed his frustration with the renewed violence. Let me read you what the statement said:

“His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, has 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 PM to 4 AM curfew now be extended to 6 PM to 6 AM, effective today, Friday, 21st March 2025, until further notice.”

In addition to the curfew, authorities have beefed up security by deploying a joint task force. This includes the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, ensuring round-the-clock surveillance. The goal is clear: bring stability back to the region.

Stakeholders' Meeting Called

Governor Adeleke didn't stop there. He ordered an immediate stakeholders' meeting, bringing together traditional rulers and community leaders to discuss solutions. Here's what the statement had to say:

“In addition, the Governor has directed that an immediate stakeholders’ meeting, including the Olufon of Ifon, HRM Oba Peter Oluwole Akinyooye, HRM Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan, the Olobu of Ilobu, and other stakeholders from both communities, be held tomorrow, Saturday, 22nd March 2025, to discuss further resolutions of the conflict.”

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This meeting is crucial because it gives a voice to those directly impacted by the conflict. It's about finding common ground and working together for the greater good.

A Call for Peace

Governor Adeleke is urging both communities to choose peace over violence. He warned that anyone caught instigating trouble will face the full force of the law. Here's the message he delivered:

“Finally, His Excellency urges all sons and daughters of the two communities, as well as their traditional rulers, to follow the path of peace and harmonious co-existence. Anyone or group of persons found aiding and abetting the pogrom will be dealt with accordingly.”

The state government has also instructed security agencies to take control of the situation and bring those responsible for the violence to justice. Furthermore, the peace committee established earlier this year has been reactivated to facilitate dialogue and seek a lasting resolution.

A Path Forward

This is a critical moment for Osun State. The people of Ifon and Ilobu need to come together and find a way to coexist peacefully. The governor and his administration are doing everything they can to ensure safety and stability, but it's up to the communities to make the choice for peace. Let's hope this crisis can be resolved once and for all, so the people can return to their normal lives without fear.