Osogbo – Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has issued a directive to reduce the 24-hour curfew imposed on Ifon and Ilobu communities to 12 hours.
This decision comes in the wake of a communal clash in these areas and the successful compliance with the Peace Agreement signed last week Saturday.
The Peace Agreement, which was signed by communities in both Orolu and Irepodun local governments, is seen as a crucial step towards ending the ongoing communal disputes.
Governor Adeleke, while reducing the curfew hours, maintained his administration’s decision to take control of disputed lands until a lasting resolution is reached by the natives.
Previously, the curfew was in effect around the clock, but with the governor’s directive, it will now be in place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. This measure aims to strike a balance between maintaining security and allowing the affected communities some respite.
Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, released a statement in Osogbo, announcing this change on Tuesday.
Osun Communal Clash: 24-Hour Curfew Imposed in Two LGAs
The statement reads :
“That, based on the recent Peace Agreement signed by Ifon and Ilobu Communities of Orolu and Irepodun local governments respectively, the administration of Senator Ademola Adeleke is happy to state that the two communities are gradually embracing the need to engender peace and harmony, forthwith.
“Premised on this, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, the Executive Governor of Osun state in his capacity as the Chief Security Officer of the state, has relaxed the 24 hour curfew to 12 hours daily, beginning from 6am to 6pm with immediate effect.
“That the Joint Security Task Force comprising of the Nigeria Army, Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps and other security agents should however, continue their normal 24 hour surveillance of both Ifon, Ilobu and Olokanla communities.
“That the good people of the two local governments should go about their businesses without any fear or apprehension anymore as their security are guaranteed with the eagle eyed security personnels in place.
“That, anyone or group of persons found or caught doing or instigating any act, knowingly or unknowingly, to mortgage the lasting peace being currently envisioned in the warring communities would be made to face the music, via necessary prosecution, in line with the dictate of the law of Nigeria.
“That, Governor Ademola Adeleke, for the umpteenth time, appreciates the resolve of the leadership and people of the warring communities to embrace peace.
“That, the present administration under the executive watch of H.E Senator Ademola Adeleke holds unity and peaceful co-existence of the people of Ifon, Ilobu and Olakanla sacrosanct, just as it holds it for the entire villages, towns and cities of the state of the living string; and that, Osun state government, once again, sympathizes with the families of victims of the communal clashes.”
