Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has imposed a 24-hour curfew in the communities of Ilobu and Ifon, effective immediately.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, announced that the curfew is to prevent a further breakdown of law and order in the two communities.

“Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed that a 24-hour Curfew begins in Orolu and Irepodun local governments housing Ifon and Ilobu communities with immediate effect. To maintain a 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, 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. 

“Therefore, in strict compliance with the 24 hour curfew now imposed, Adeleke administration has also ordered strict restriction of both human and vehicular movements in the affected areas and communities, until otherwise directed.”

The curfew comes after communal clashes killed at least eight people. The clashes led to killings and destruction of property in Ilobu, headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area and Ifon, headquarters of Orolu Local Government.