In a bid to quell the ongoing communal clashes that have resulted in loss of lives and properties, the Osun State Government has issued a 24-hour curfew in the Ifon and Ilobu communities with immediate effect.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, through a statement released by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, declared the curfew to prevent any further escalation of the conflict in these once “peaceful and law-abiding” communities.
The statement read,
“To maintain a lasting peace and order pending when the issues at hand would be amicably resolved, Governor Ademola Adeleke in his executive capacity as the Chief Security Officer of the State, has ordered the immediate take over of the disputed lands/areas by his administration.”
As part of the measures to maintain order and security, the state government has also placed strict restrictions on both human and vehicular movements within the affected areas. Residents are urged to adhere to these restrictions until further notice is provided by Governor Adeleke.
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“Accordingly, officers of the Joint Security Task Force comprising, the Nigerian Army, Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps have been directed by His Excellency, to be on a 24 hour surveillance of the two communities with a view to ensuring a lasting peace.”
During the conflict between the two communities, a total of eight individuals lost their lives, and numerous homes were set ablaze.
In addition, residents from both communities were compelled to seek refuge in safer locations away from their homes.
Governor Adeleke extended his condolences to the families affected by the recent crisis, pledging that his administration is dedicated to establishing enduring peace and stability within the two local governments.
Full Statement Below:
NEWS RELEASE
Communal Clash: Osun Govt Imposes a 24-hour Curfew on Orolu & Irepodun LGs.
…Takes immediate possession of the Disputed Lands/Areas
OSOGBO – 6/10/2023 – Osunstate.gov.ng
Sequel to the ongoing communal clashes between Ifon and Ilobu communities, leading to the loss of lives and properties, Osun state government has directed that a 24-hour curfew commences with immediate effect in the two communities.
The curfew is with a view to forestalling further breakdown of law and order in the hitherto two peaceful and law abiding communities.
A statement in respect of the unfortunate development as released by the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Hon Kolapo Alimi on behalf of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Osun state, Senator Ademola Adeleke reads as follows:
Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed that a 24-hour Curfew begins in Orolu and Irepodun local governments housing Ifon and Ilobu communities with immediate effect.
To maintain a lasting peace and order pending when the issues at hand would be amicably resolved, Governor Ademola Adeleke in his executive capacity as the Chief Security Officer of the State, has ordered the immediate take over of the disputed lands/areas by his administration.
In the same vein, government has ordered that anyone, or group of persons found or seen doing one thing or the other on the disputed lands/ areas would be made to face the full wrath of the law accordingly, by Osun state government.
Therefore, in strict compliance with the 24 hour curfew now imposed, Adeleke administration has also ordered strict restriction of both human and vehicular movements in the affected areas and communities, until otherwise directed by His Excellency, the state Governor and the Chief Security Officer of Osun state.
Accordingly, officers of the Joint Security Task Force comprising, the Nigerian Army, Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps have been directed by His Excellency, to be on a 24 hour surveillance of the two communities with a view to ensuring a lasting peace.
As a government, the present administration has the obligation as conferred on it by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to protect the lives and properties of the people of Orolu and Irepodun local governments and by extension, Osun state in general.
The present administration will not, in anyway be a party to compromising any action or utterances that will mortgage the peace and order currently holding sway in Osun state since the inception of the present administration in the last one year.
While commiserating with the affected families of those who lost their lives in the wake of the recent crisis, the present administration is still reiterating the need for peace and order to be restored in the two concerned local governments.
Maintaining peace and order is our collective responsibility in Osun state.
Signed:
Oluomo Kolapo Alimi
Commissioner for Information
And Public Enlightenment,
Osun state.
