Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has once again imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on the Ifon and Ilobu communities following a renewed outbreak of violence over disputed land.
Reports indicate that gunmen attacked the Ilobu community late Thursday night, leaving one person feared dead, several others injured, and multiple houses set ablaze.
In an effort to contain the crisis, Governor Adeleke has repeatedly enforced curfews in the affected areas, with the most recent one imposed in January 2025. That curfew was lifted in early March to accommodate Ramadan fasting and in response to a gradual return to peace.
However, in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the state government announced a fresh curfew, effective from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., to curb further violence in the warring communities.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has expressed deep concern and dissatisfaction over the renewed communal crisis in Ilobu and Ifon.
In response, he has ordered an extension of the initial curfew from 10 p.m. – 4 a.m. to a stricter 6 p.m. – 6 a.m. schedule, effective from Friday, March 21, 2025, until further notice.
Additionally, the Governor has directed the joint security team—comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps—to maintain round-the-clock surveillance, ensuring a zero-tolerance policy for any act of lawlessness.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has also mandated a stakeholders’ meeting to be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, to further address the ongoing conflict. The meeting will include the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Peter Akinyooye, the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan, and other key stakeholders from both communities.
Furthermore, the Governor issued a stern warning that anyone found aiding or inciting the crisis will face severe consequences.
