From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
Osun State Government has slammed a 24-hour curfew commencing with immediate effect on Ifon in Orolu Local Government and Ilobu in Irepodun Local Government of the state.
The action of the government was propelled by the communal clash that led to the killing of eight persons, with property worth millions of naira vandalized in the two towns.
A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, on Friday, explained that the curfew is to forestall further breakdown of law and order in the hitherto two ‘peaceful and law-abiding communities.’ The state government has also taken over the disputed lands and areas, he informed, adding that anyone found on the lands would be dealt with.
“Therefore, in strict compliance with the 24-hour curfew now imposed, the Adeleke administration has also ordered strict restriction of both human and vehicular movements in the affected areas and communities, until otherwise directed by the state governor.
The statement ordered security agencies to be on a 24-hour surveillance of the two communities to ensure a lasting peace.
“As a government, the present administration has the obligation as conferred on it by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to protect the lives and properties of the people of Orolu and Irepodun Local Governments and by extension, Osun State in general.
“The present administration will not, in any way be a party to compromising any action or utterances that will mortgage the peace and order currently holding sway in Osun State since the inception of the present administration in the last one year.
“While commiserating with the affected families of those who lost their lives in the wake of the recent crisis, the present administration is still reiterating the need for peace and order to be restored in the two concerned local governments,” the government said.