The lingering communal crisis between Ilobu in Irepodun Local Government Area and Ifon in Orolu Local Government Area of Osun State has left a trail of devastation, with over 100,000 people reportedly displaced and property worth N2 billion destroyed.
At least three lives, including that of a former councilor, have been lost, while 30 others have sustained gunshot wounds in the renewed clashes over a disputed piece of land.
In response, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, initially imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew and summoned the traditional rulers of the warring communities for a meeting. However, following the escalating violence, the government has now extended the curfew to Erin-Osun town and made it a 24-hour restriction.
A statement issued on Saturday by the Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, announced the governor’s directive for intensified security surveillance across the affected areas.
“Governor Adeleke has ordered all security agencies, including the Military, Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Immigration, NDLEA, Amotekun, and others, to ensure strict enforcement of the 24-hour curfew until peace is fully restored,” the statement read.
The government also cautioned against the spread of misinformation, alleging that some individuals were circulating old videos of past conflicts to create a false sense of insecurity in the state.
The National President of Ilobu Development Union, Pastor Olufemi Salako in a conversation with THE NATION, accused Ifon and Erin-Osun communities of launching a coordinated attack on Ilobu.
“On Friday morning, large parts of Ilobu, including Ganga, Idire, Apiponroro, Olobu Market, and Ayedaade, were invaded. Houses and shops were burnt, and our people were attacked with firearms. This is not just about a land dispute anymore; it is an attempt to wipe out Ilobu,” Salako alleged.
He further expressed frustration over what he described as the failure of security agencies to respond adequately to distress calls.
However, a representative of the Ifon traditional ruler, Akeem Adekunle, countered the claims, stating that his community was also under attack.
“As we speak, the situation is tense despite the government’s curfew and security presence, which remains inadequate. We have many displaced persons in our town. This is a full-blown war strategy. Ilobu people evacuate women and children while their warriors remain behind to fight,” Adekunle alleged.
Former Osun State Governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has condemned the violence and urged both parties to embrace peaceful dialogue.
“This unfortunate situation is not only heartbreaking but also undermines the peace and development we have all worked hard to sustain in Osun State. I strongly urge all parties to lay down their arms and seek amicable resolution,” Oyetola said.
Similarly, the Osun State Chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Adewale Adebayo, called on the Osun State Traditional Rulers Council to work with the state government in restoring lasting peace.
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