Osun Crisis: Community Seeks Federal Govt’s Intervention As Adeleke Imposes Curfew

Following the escalation of the crisis in Ilobu, Ifon and Erin communities in Osun State, the people of Ilobu have called on President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and the director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Ajayi, to  help the end incessant attacks by the neighbouring communities.

The national president of Ilobu Descendant Union (IDU), Pastor Olufemi Salako, said many people have been killed, several injured and property worth over N2 billion destroyed in the attacks.

Salako who lamented the wanton destruction of lives and property in his community stated that many people suffered gunshot injuries during the melee while others were displaced.

“On Friday morning, we woke up to sporadic gunshots from the people of Ifon-Osun and Erin-Osun Communities. Greater parts of Ilobu Community at Ganga, Idire, Apiponroro, Olobu market, Ayedaade were seriously invaded, houses and shops were burnt down and people of Ilobu were attacked with guns.

“Very many people suffered gunshot wounds in the process. Children, women and the aged were seriously affected and thousands of people displaced from their homes and countless business outfits completely destroyed.”

He called for assistance from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for the affected individuals who have lost property worth over N2 billion.

Meanwhile, Governor Ademola Adeleke has extended the curfew he earlier imposed on the feuding communities to 24 hours since the earlier 6pm to 6am curfew proved ineffective.

The state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi stated that the governor further directed all security agencies including the Military, Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Immigration, NDLEA and Amotekun among others to extend their security surveillance to the communities and ensure strict compliance to the curfew until peace is restored.