The communal clashes between the Ifon and Ilobu communities in Osun State intensified on Saturday, spreading to Erin Osun. In response, Governor Ademola Adeleke has imposed a 24-hour curfew on the affected areas.
Initially, a 12-hour curfew had been declared following the outbreak of violence, which displaced many residents. On Saturday, displaced individuals, including northerners, were seen leaving the conflict zone, some boarding buses in Okinni.
A statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, outlined measures being taken to restore order.
“Governor Ademola Adeleke has stepped up conflict de-escalation moves on the Ifon-Ilobu conflict, imposing a 24-hour curfew, mobilising a joint security task force and hosting a peace deal between the two warring communities.
“We assure the people of Ilobu and Ifon that I am committed to securing their lives and properties. I have updated the state’s presidency of development. We are on top of the situation.
“Meanwhile, we seek to bring to the attention of the public that opposition elements are circulating old videos of communal conflicts in some parts of Osun state to spread false pictures of insecurity in Osun state.
“While the ongoing conflict is regrettable and while all hands are on deck to stop the violence, we inform the public to take note of the activities of fake news merchants who are digging up old videos to discredit the state government. The videos being circulated of violence in other towns and villages in Osun are fake news and should be disregarded by the members of the public.” the statement read.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to comply with the curfew as security forces work to restore peace.
