Korede Abdullah in Lagos
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has announced a new curfew from 6 PM to 6 AM in Ilobu and Ifon communities following a resurgence of violent clashes.
The move is aimed at curbing further violence and restoring lasting peace in the affected areas. This decision follows the governor’s previous imposition of a curfew weeks ago, which had initially been set from 10 PM to 4 AM.
Expressing concern over the renewed crisis, Governor Adeleke emphasized his dissatisfaction with the situation.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, on Friday, the governor declared: “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.”
He also reaffirmed the deployment of security forces, including the Nigerian Army, Police, and Civil Defence Corps, to maintain round-the-clock surveillance in the area.
Additionally, the governor has ordered an emergency stakeholders’ meeting to be held on Saturday, 22nd March 2025, with key traditional rulers and community leaders to discuss lasting solutions.
Adeleke urged all residents to embrace peace, warning that “anyone or group of persons found aiding and abetting the pogrom will be dealt with accordingly.”
The government reassures of its commitment to ensuring stability and preventing further unrest in the state.
