The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate action in resolving the escalating communal conflict between the Ifon-Osun and Ilobu communities.
According to a report by DAILY POST, the violent clashes, which erupted late Thursday night, have led to significant loss of lives and destruction of properties worth millions of Naira.
APC Criticizes Governor Adeleke’s Response
In a statement released on Friday, APC’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, condemned Governor Ademola Adeleke’s handling of the situation, citing a lack of political will to end the persistent violence that has plagued the region eight times in the past 18 months.
“The continued failure of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration to manage the crisis effectively further highlights his inability to maintain order in Osun State,” Olabisi stated.
The party revealed that at least 30 people have been killed, while multiple houses, businesses, and vehicles have been set on fire. Among the casualties is a former councillor, while the wife of the Olobu of Ilobu, Olori Bola, lost her shop in the attacks.
Widespread Panic Among Residents
Disturbing video footage circulating on social media shows large numbers of residents fleeing both towns to escape potential attacks. The ongoing hostility has thrown Osun State into chaos, leaving many in fear for their safety.
The APC further alleged that several members of Governor Adeleke’s administration have criminal affiliations, which hinders the state government’s ability to restore peace. The party also accused a gubernatorial appointee of being involved in violent crimes, including murder and terrorism.
“How can lawless individuals be deterred when the state’s chief executive has shown a pattern of tolerating and enabling crime?” the statement questioned.
Calls for Federal Government’s Intervention
The APC emphasized the need for the Federal Government to step in and take control of the security situation in Ifon-Osun and Ilobu, urging President Tinubu to deploy necessary resources to prevent further bloodshed.
Similarly, the Ilobu community has made a direct appeal to President Tinubu, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director of the Department of State Security (DSS), Adeola Ajayi, calling for urgent intervention amid continued attacks from neighboring Ifon-Osun and Erin-Osun communities.
The plea was documented in a statement signed by Pastor Olufemi Salako, National President of the Ilobu Development Union (IDU), and obtained by DAILY POST.
Osun State Government Imposes Curfew
In response to the crisis, the Osun State Government, following an emergency meeting with security agencies and stakeholders, reinstated a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Ifon and Ilobu. The curfew, effective from 6 PM to 6 AM daily, will remain in place until peace is fully restored.
The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, made the announcement on Friday, emphasizing the need for stringent measures to curb further violence.
Background on the Ifon-Ilobu Crisis
This is not the first time the Ifon-Ilobu conflict has resulted in violent outbreaks. Governor Adeleke had previously imposed a curfew to curb the crisis, but with recent events proving the ineffectiveness of those measures, concerns are growing over the state government’s ability to maintain lasting peace in the region.
Conclusion
With the escalating violence and loss of innocent lives, stakeholders are now urging President Tinubu to intervene and prevent further destruction in Ifon-Osun and Ilobu. The federal government’s swift action could be instrumental in restoring peace and stability in Osun State.
: Read more on Nigeria’s security challenges
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