By Ken Afor
Following ongoing inter-communal clashes that have resulted in the loss of lives and property, the Osun State Government has ordered a 24-hour curfew in the Ifon and Ilobu communities of the state with immediate effect.
The curfew, according to Governor Ademola Adeleke’s statement through the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment Kolapo Alimi, was implemented to prevent further lawlessness in the formerly “peaceful and law-abiding” communities.
His words: “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 addition, the state government imposed strict restrictions on both vehicular and pedestrian movement in the affected areas and communities.
“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,” it added.
It would be recalled that on Thursday, about eight people were reportedly killed following a fracas between the people of Ilobu and Ifon communities in Osun.
It was gathered that those killed were said to have been hit by stray bullets fired by the security operatives deployed to the affected communities, following the resumption of hostilities.
Prior to Friday’s curfew, the state government had previously imposed a 24-hour restriction of movement between the two communities.
