Ifon-Ilobu Crisis: Governor Adeleke imposes stricter 6 PM to 6 AM curfew, orders 24-hour security surveillance
In response to the renewed communal clashes between the Ifon and Ilobu communities, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has announced a stricter curfew, now running from 6 PM to 6 AM daily, to prevent further escalation of violence.
Governor Adeleke, through a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, expressed deep dissatisfaction over the resurgence of the crisis.
“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.”
To reinforce security in the volatile areas, Adeleke has ordered 24-hour surveillance by a joint security team comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
“Mr. Governor has equally directed that the joint security team continue to maintain their usual 24-hour surveillance to ensure zero tolerance for any act of lawlessness,” the statement further read.
Additionally, in a bid to find a lasting resolution to the dispute, Governor Adeleke has scheduled an urgent stakeholders’ meeting for Saturday, March 22, 2025. Attendees will include the Olufon of Ifon, HRM Oba Peter Oluwole Akinyooye, the Olobu of Ilobu, HRM Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan, and other key figures from both communities.
This development follows previous efforts by the Osun State government to mediate the long-standing land and boundary disputes between the two communities. However, with tensions flaring again, the government is taking a firmer stance to prevent further bloodshed.
Residents of the affected communities are urged to comply strictly with the new curfew regulations as security operatives intensify patrols to enforce law and order.
Background of the Conflict
The Ilobu-Ifon communal crisis has been an ongoing issue, with disputes over land ownership and traditional boundaries often leading to violent confrontations. The Osun State government had previously imposed a 10 PM to 4 AM curfew, but the recent escalation prompted a stricter time frame.
As the situation unfolds, the government remains committed to bringing lasting peace to the embattled communities.
