Osun Government Reinstates Curfew on Communities Engaged in Communal Clash
The Osun State Government has promptly reintroduced a dusk-to-dawn curfew on the communities of Ilobu and Ifon-Osun.
The decision was reached during a state security council meeting, as announced by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi. The objective of this measure is to ensure lasting peace in the communities embroiled in the conflict.
According to the statement released, the curfew will be in effect from 6 pm to 6 am, starting from Tuesday, January 30, 2024. The government will also establish a joint task force comprising key stakeholders, including traditional chiefs from Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun. Additionally, a high-powered stakeholders meeting will be organized, with the attendance of government officials and security chiefs, to address the situation.
Alimi warned that anyone found involved in or inciting further violence would face prosecution in accordance with Nigerian law.
In related news, the Osun chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) raised concerns over alleged sponsored kidnapping and attacks in the state. Sunday Bisi, the PDP chairman in Osun, claimed to possess confidential intelligence from meetings of the Osun All Progressive Congress (APC) where plans to destabilize the state were discussed. Bisi urged the opposition party to act responsibly and called on security agencies to take appropriate action.
In response, the Osun APC cautioned the PDP against making baseless allegations and emphasized the need for the PDP to focus on securing the state. The APC demanded that the PDP chairman provide evidence of the alleged plans to destabilize the state or face legal consequences.
