September 18, (THEWILL) – Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has imposed an indefinite dusk-to-dawn curfew on Ilobu and Ifon Communities, both in Orolu and Irepodun Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State.
The measure was coming in the wake of a communal clash between the two communities, leading to a total breakdown of law and order.
THEWILL reports that Ilobu in Irepodun Local Government Area and Ifon in Orolu Local Government Area of Osun State were in conflict over Opara land, which has been under dispute between both communities.
An Ilobu native, who is a farmer, was reportedly shot on Saturday, by gunmen, following alleged subtle threats from some leaders of the Ifon community.
In the latest development, arsonists invaded the palace of the Olokanla of Okala, a village reportedly belonging to the Ilobu community, on Sunday, resulting in the death of Qudus.
Governor Adeleke, while reacting to the development in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, declared a curfew in the two LGAs of Orolu and Irepodun.
The Governor also directed restrictions on both human and vehicular movements during the period of the curfew, which would hold “until further notice” between 8pm and 6am.
Alimi stated that the measure became necessary in order to enforce law and order in the two communities.
The statement partly read, “This is to inform the public that the attention of the Osun Government has been drawn to the communal clash over land dispute between Ilobu and Ifon communities.
“Based on this, Gov. Ademola Adeleke has directed that curfew begins immediately in the two LGAs of Orolu and Irepodun.
“Anyone caught wandering or moving around in Irepodun and Orolu during the curfew will be arrested and prosecuted.
“The Governor sued for peace between these two LGAs,” the Commissioner stated while urging the warring communities to imbibe the spirit of love and unity.
Meanwhile, the Spokesman for Osun Police Command, SP Yemisi Opalola, has confirmed the death of one Sodiq Alamu, 28, in the clash.
About the Author
