Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has relaxed the existing 24-hour curfew imposed on Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin communities following violent clashes.
The new directive reduces the restriction to 17 hours daily, allowing movement from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting Friday, March 28, 2025, until further notice.
The governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, confirmed the development in a statement on Friday.
The crisis initially erupted as a boundary dispute between Ifon and Ilobu in the early hours of the previous Friday before escalating to Erin Osun the following day.
In response to the worsening violence, the state government had initially extended the curfew from 12 hours to a full-day restriction.
The conflict resulted in casualties and widespread destruction, with many homes set ablaze.
Fearing for their safety, several residents fled to neighbouring areas such as Okinni, Osogbo, and Ido Osun.
Governor Adeleke, in justifying the curfew relaxation, stated it was meant “to alleviate the suffering of residents of the three towns and provide an opportunity for them to attend to their immediate needs.”
While commending the temporary cessation of hostilities, he expressed concern over a recent killing, noting that the police had already made an arrest.
He warned that anyone found instigating further violence would face severe consequences.
To ensure sustained security, he instructed the joint task force to maintain around-the-clock surveillance in the affected areas.
Additionally, the state emergency agency has been directed to intensify relief efforts for displaced residents.
