The PreachForPeace Project has called for calm and restraint following rising tensions across the neighbouring communities of Ilobu, Erin-Osun and Ifon-Orolu in Osun State.
In a statement signed by Opeyemi Oladimeji, Executive Director of Future Builders Initiative and Project Lead of the PreachForPeace Project on Monday, the peacebuilding initiative expressed concern over reports of arrests involving community chiefs and residents, as well as allegations of attacks on security personnel.
The group warned that the recent developments could undermine the fragile peace achieved in the affected communities over the past two months through sustained engagement and dialogue efforts.
“We have followed closely the reports of arrests of community chiefs and residents, as well as allegations of attacks on security personnel. These developments threaten to reverse the fragile peace that stakeholders have worked tirelessly to build.
“As a peacebuilding initiative deeply invested in these communities, we strongly appeal to all parties including community members, traditional institutions, security agencies and government authorities to exercise maximum restraint and prioritise dialogue over confrontation,” Oladimeji said.
The statement noted that the organisation had trained 30 Youth Ambassadors for Peace and actively engaged traditional rulers and community groups to sustain stability in the area.
It also extended condolences to victims of the unrest and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting non violence, dialogue and the protection of human dignity across the communities.
“We call on the Osun State Police Command to ensure that all arrests and investigations are conducted transparently and in line with the rule of law, while respecting the rights and dignity of all individuals, including traditional leaders.
“To residents of Ilobu, Erin-Osun and Ifon-Orolu, the path to lasting peace is never easy, but it remains the only viable option. We urge all stakeholders to embrace peaceful coexistence and lawful means of resolving grievances while our Youth Ambassadors stand ready to support dialogue and mediation efforts.”
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