Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has relaxed the curfew in the warring communities of Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun from 17 hours to 12 hours, effective April 8, 2025. The new curfew hours are from 7 pm to 7 am daily.
This decision comes as a result of the gradual return to peace in the three communities, following security reports indicating a ceasefire is taking center stage.
In a press statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment Oluomo Kolapo Alimi on Tuesday, Governor Adeleke expressed his happiness on the return to peace, thanking traditional rulers and their subjects for living up to expectations.
“Now that peace is gaining the centre stage on a daily basis, it gladdens my heart, as the Governor and Chief Security Officer of Osun State to announce the relaxation of the curfew earlier imposed on Ifon-Ilobu- Erin Osun communities from 17 hours to 12 hours daily with effect from today.
“As a Governor, I am again reaffirming my commitment to do everything morally and officially possible at my executive disposal to bring the communal fracas in the three communities to an amicable end.
“So far, I am equally happy to say that the traditional rulers of the three communities and their subjects have been living up to the desired expectations in ensuring gradual return to peace. This is good and heart warming. I urge them to keep the tempo high in this regard”.
The governor urged them to maintain the peace momentum and directed the 100-member crisis resolution committee to expedite their assignments to find a lasting solution to the communal disputes.
“I am seizing this opportunity to, once again, remind and direct the 100 member crisis resolution committee on Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun communal mayhem set up by this administration in the wake of the crisis few months ago to expedite their assignments so as to find a lasting solution to the problem. My administration and the entire people of Osun state will not settle for less from your committee in giving us a leeway towards ensuring a lasting resolution to the age long communal disputes”.
Despite the relaxed curfew, a joint security team comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps will maintain 24-hour surveillance to prevent any acts of lawlessness.
“However, I am still directing that the joint security team comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps should continue to maintain their usual 24-hour surveillance to ensure zero tolerance on any act of lawlessness.
“This is not without reiterating the need for all stakeholders to cooperate by embracing the much sought peace in the three communities as anybody/group/ community caught or found wanting in fomenting or aiding the crisis in one way or the other will be made to face the music in line with the dictates of the law of Nigeria”, Adeleke stated.
The relaxed curfew is also expected to benefit students who are preparing to take their WAEC, NECO, and JAMB examinations, allowing them to do so without hindrance.
Governor Adeleke emphasized the importance of not mortgaging the future of the children and called on all stakeholders to cooperate in maintaining peace and unity in the communities.
He urged sons and daughters of Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun to work together to bring the crisis to an end, emphasizing that peace and unity are essential for growth and development.
Insight Media had earlier reported that the Governor had relaxed the curfew to 17 hours over the last week’s
