Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has approved the extension of the curfew imposed on the warring communities of Ilobu and Ifon to now include Erin-Osun town in Ifon-Orolu Local Government Area.
This decision comes in response to the escalation of violent clashes between the communities, which have resulted in casualties and destruction of property.
The state’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, confirmed the extension in an official statement, emphasizing that the curfew will now be enforced for 24 hours daily until further notice.
Governor Adeleke has also directed all security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Immigration Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and Amotekun Corps, to intensify surveillance in the affected areas to prevent further violence.
According to the statement, “All security agencies are to ensure strict compliance with the curfew, which is now 24 hours daily until peace is restored. The imposed curfew was deemed necessary to prevent further escalation of the crisis and to maintain law and order.”
Governor Adeleke expressed deep dissatisfaction over the renewed violence, describing it as a threat to peace and stability in Osun State. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring order and bringing those responsible for the violence to justice.
“His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, is saddened by the renewed communal clashes between Ilobu and Ifon. To contain the crisis, the Governor has directed that the curfew be extended to Erin-Osun, effective immediately (March 22, 2025). Security forces have been ordered to maintain 24-hour surveillance and prevent any further breakdown of law and order.”
The governor also expressed his condolences to victims and their families, emphasizing that those responsible for instigating violence will face the full wrath of the law.
“Osun State is a land of peace and harmony, and this government will not allow that to be disrupted. This crisis must end, and we will ensure that it does. I urge all residents to uphold the ethos of Omoluabi, reject violence, and embrace peaceful coexistence,” the statement added.
The recent clashes between Ifon and Ilobu reportedly erupted again on Thursday, March 20, 2025, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and the destruction of goods and property worth millions of Naira.
In response, Governor Adeleke, on Friday, ordered all security agencies to enforce strict vigilance and ensure that those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted. He also directed the state peace committee, which was inaugurated earlier in the year, to resume efforts at restoring peace and resolving the conflict.
Initially, the Osun State Government had imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Ilobu and Ifon, but following the continued escalation of violence, it has now been upgraded to a 24-hour restriction, extending to Erin-Osun to ensure full containment of the crisis.
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