Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has relaxed the previously imposed curfew of 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on the Ifon and Ilobu communities in the state.
On January 16, 2025, Adeleke ordered a curfew from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. in Ifon and Ilobu owing to a crisis caused by boundary disputes.
However, after observing a gradual return of tranquility in the towns, the governor lifted the curfew on Sunday from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., effective immediately.
Mr. Kolapo Alimi, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, announced the governor’s decision in a statement to the press on Sunday.
Adeleke, who expressed happiness that calm was gradually returning to the affected communities, also stated that security personnel will continue 24-hour surveillance in the two communities.
“Accordingly, the Governor has directed that the initial 7pm to 7am curfew imposed on the two communities by his administration in the wake of the crisis on the 16th day of January 2025 be relaxed from the hitherto 12 hours to 6 hours daily, beginning from 10pm to 4am with effect from today, Sunday, the 2nd day of March 2025, until total peace is seen and noted to have been returned.
“Furthermore, Mr. Governor has directed the contingent of all security personnel, including the Nigeria Army, Nigeria Police, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to continue to maintain 24-hour surveillance in the warring communities.
“All stakeholders in the communities are further advised to cooperate with the state government to resolve the issues amicably,” the statement read partly.
Adeleke urged indigenes of the two communities, including their traditional rulers and all concerned parties, to use the period of the ongoing holy month of Ramadan to pray for enduring peace and harmony.
He also reaffirmed his earlier appeal, warning that anyone or group of people found or caught doing or masterminding any future breakdown of law and order to undermine the level of calm that has been progressively attained in the two villages will face the full wrath of the law.
