Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has declared a fresh curfew on the Ilobu and Ifon communities following renewed violent clashes between the two neighbouring towns.
The curfew, announced on Thursday, comes in response to escalating tensions that have plunged the area into chaos and fear.
The Ifon Progressive Union, the central body representing the people of Ifon-Orolu in Osun State, accused armed assailants from Ilobu of launching a surprise attack on the Apiponroro area. According to the union, the attackers opened fire indiscriminately, causing widespread panic among residents.
Providing further details, Jide Akinyooye, Secretary of the Board of Trustees for the Ifon-Orolu Progressive Union, revealed that the latest round of violence began in the early hours of Tuesday. He reported that gunfire echoed through the Odoje and Golden Gate areas of Ifon, forcing many residents to flee their homes in fear. The violence has resulted in significant displacement, with numerous families seeking refuge in safer areas.
However, in a conflicting account, Chief Goke Ogunsola, the Otun Jagun of Ilobu, denied these allegations and countered that it was gunmen from Ifon who first launched attacks on Ilobu communities.
Speaking to New Daily Prime, Chief Ogunsola claimed he received multiple distress calls from Ilobu residents, particularly those living near the Ifon boundary, reporting that gunmen from Ifon had invaded their communities.
“Our people living in Ganga and Apiponroro informed us that gunmen from Ifon laid siege to their areas,” Ogunsola stated. “Those under attack had no choice but to defend themselves. To make matters worse, during a meeting on Monday, the Olufon directly threatened our community.”
As the conflict intensifies, Governor Adeleke’s administration has urged both sides to exercise restraint while security forces work to restore peace. The newly imposed curfew aims to curb further violence and protect lives and property in the embattled communities.
