The settlements of Ilobu and Ifon will now be subject to a 24-hour curfew, per a decision issued by the Osun State Government on Friday.
According to a statement by Kolapo Alimi, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, the curfew is in place to prevent further law and order breakdown in the two areas.
Alimi added that the curfew was ordered by the governor, Ademola Adeleke, to stop the crisis from getting worse and to stop more people and property from being lost.
On Thursday, both groups were involved in a community fight that left eight persons perhaps dead.
The crisis reportedly erupted due to an ongoing land dispute, according to sources.
The statement reads, “To maintain 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 the same vein, the government has ordered that anyone or group of persons found or seen doing one thing or the other on the disputed lands/ areas would be made to face the full wrath of the law, accordingly, by Osun State government.
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“Therefore, in strict compliance with the 24-hour curfew now imposed, the Adeleke administration has also ordered strict restriction of both human and vehicular movements in the affected areas and communities, until otherwise directed by His Excellency, the State Governor and the Chief Security Officer of Osun state.
“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.”
He added that the Osun state government as a whole, as well as the residents of Orolu and Irepodun local governments, must safeguard their lives and property.
The administration further stated that it would not participate in any declaration or action that may endanger the state’s current peace and order.
The administration reaffirmed the requirement for peace and order to be restored to the two concerned local governments while expressing sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives in the aftermath of the current crisis.
