Governor Ademola Adeleke has reassured residents of Ilobu and Ifon communities that swift intervention strategies are underway to restore peace and security. He has also instructed the state’s emergency response agency to activate urgent measures to curb the crisis.
Similarly, former Osun State Governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has appealed to all parties involved to halt hostilities and embrace peaceful resolution.
Government’s Commitment to Conflict Resolution
In response to an SOS alert from residents, Governor Adeleke, through a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, emphasized his administration’s commitment to resolving the dispute. He outlined various peace-building strategies designed to restore stability in the affected communities.
“I assure the people of Ilobu and Ifon that the safety of their lives and properties remains my top priority. I have briefed the Presidency on the latest developments, and we are actively managing the situation,” Adeleke affirmed.
The statement further clarified that misleading videos depicting past conflicts in Osun State are being recirculated by certain individuals to spread false narratives about insecurity in the state.
“While the ongoing violence is regrettable, we urge the public to disregard misleading footage being used by political adversaries to create fear. The state government is working tirelessly to end the crisis,” the statement read.
Enforcement of Curfew and Security Mobilization
Governor Adeleke has enforced a 24-hour curfew in the warring communities and mobilized a joint security task force to restore order. Additionally, efforts to facilitate a peace agreement between Ilobu and Ifon stakeholders are in progress.
Meanwhile, violence has extended to Erin-Osun town, prompting the state government to extend the curfew indefinitely.
Oyetola Urges Lasting Peace
Adegboyega Oyetola has expressed deep concern over the crisis, describing it as avoidable. He emphasized that the destruction of lives and property is a setback to Osun State’s peace and development.
“This situation is heartbreaking and contradicts the peace we have worked hard to sustain. I implore all stakeholders to drop their weapons and engage in dialogue,” Oyetola stated.
He further lamented the escalation of violence, pointing out that in the past, traditional rulers played a crucial role in de-escalating such conflicts. He urged their renewed involvement in peace mediation.
“Peace is fundamental to human existence. Dialogue and negotiation are always preferable to violence. Ifon-Osun and Ilobu must resolve their differences and embrace unity. These communities have coexisted for generations, and it is vital to sustain that brotherhood,” he added.
Oyetola also urged security operatives to act professionally in restoring peace and ensuring justice in the affected areas.
State Government’s Immediate Actions
The Ifon and Ilobu communities have been embroiled in clashes since Thursday night, resulting in three fatalities and the destruction of properties worth millions of naira. To curb further violence, the Osun State government has re-imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew from 6 PM to 6 AM in both communities.
For more updates on conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts in Nigeria, visit Nigeria Security Tracker or check insights from Premium Times.
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