Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared a 24-hour curfew across Osun State following an alarming escalation of communal violence that began between Ifon and Ilobu communities before spreading to Erin Osun on Saturday.
The rapidly deteriorating security situation prompted immediate government intervention as displaced residents, particularly those from northern Nigeria, were seen fleeing the conflict zone in buses through the streets of Okinni.
“Governor Ademola Adeleke has stepped up conflict de-escalation moves on the Ifon-Ilobu conflict, imposing a 24-hour curfew, mobilising a joint security task force and hosting a peace deal between the two warring communities,” said Olawale Rasheed, the governor’s spokesperson, in an official statement detailing the government’s response.
The statement reflected the governor’s commitment to resolving the crisis and protecting affected communities. “We assure the people of Ilobu and Ifon that I am committed to securing their lives and properties. I have updated the state’s presidency of development. We are on top of the situation,” Governor Adeleke declared.
Security experts familiar with the region’s history note that tensions between Ifon and Ilobu have periodically flared over decades, with disagreements over land ownership and boundary demarcations often serving as flashpoints. However, the current violence represents a significant escalation, particularly as it has now drawn in the neighboring Erin Osun community.
Local sources report that hundreds of residents have fled their homes seeking safety in nearby towns. The humanitarian situation grows increasingly concerning as displacement continues, with many families separated during the chaos of evacuation.
Community leaders from unaffected parts of the state have begun organizing temporary shelters and relief materials for displaced persons, though coordination remains challenging amid the security restrictions.
This is the worst outbreak of violence we’ve seen between these communities in many years,” said Professor Ademola Ogunleye, a conflict resolution specialist at Osun State University. The spread to Erin Osun indicates that underlying grievances may be deeper than previously assessed, potentially involving multiple issues beyond just land disputes.”
The governor’s peace initiatives face significant challenges as decades-old animosities have resurfaced with renewed intensity. Traditional rulers from both communities have been summoned to emergency meetings with state officials in an attempt to broker immediate cease-fire agreements.
“The immediate priority must be stopping the violence and ensuring humanitarian access to affected communities,” explained Ogunleye. “Only then can meaningful dialogue about addressing root causes begin.”
State security agencies have deployed additional personnel to enforce the curfew and prevent further spread of violence. Checkpoints have been established at strategic locations, while security patrols have intensified in vulnerable communities.
Meanwhile, the governor’s office has raised concerns about disinformation potentially exacerbating tensions. “We seek to bring to the attention of the public that opposition elements are circulating old videos of communal conflicts in some parts of Osun state to spread false pictures of insecurity in Osun state,” the statement warned.
While the ongoing conflict is regrettable and while all hands are on deck to stop the violence, we inform the public to take note of the activities of fake news merchants who are digging up old videos to discredit the state government. The videos being circulated of violence in other towns and villages in Osun are fake news and should be disregarded by the members of the public.”
Communications experts have emphasized the critical importance of accurate information during crises, noting that misleading content can inflame tensions and hamper peace efforts. The state government has established an information verification center to counter false narratives and provide accurate updates to residents and media outlets.
Regional observers note that communal conflicts in Nigeria’s southwest, while not as widely reported as security challenges in other regions, remain a persistent threat to stability and development. These conflicts, often involving neighboring communities with shared histories and intertwined economies, present unique challenges for conflict resolution.
What makes these situations particularly complex is that these are communities that trade together, intermarry, and share cultural ties,” noted Dr. Funmilayo Adebayo, a peace and conflict studies researcher. “Rebuilding trust after violent outbreaks requires much more than just security interventions.”
The state government’s multipronged approach—combining security measures, peace negotiations, and public information management—reflects recognition of this complexity. Governor Adeleke’s personal involvement in mediation efforts signals the high priority placed on restoring calm.
Economic activities across the affected areas have ground to a halt, adding financial hardship to the security concerns facing residents. Markets remain closed, transportation services suspended, and businesses shuttered as the curfew takes effect.
Religious leaders across the state have called for calm and offered to serve as neutral mediators in peace talks. Interfaith prayer sessions for peace have been organized in unaffected communities, demonstrating solidarity with those displaced by the violence.
As national attention turns to this escalating situation, federal authorities are reportedly monitoring developments closely. While state governments hold primary responsibility for maintaining public order, the potential for wider regional destabilization may prompt federal intervention if local efforts prove insufficient.
For now, residents of Osun wait anxiously for signs that peace initiatives are gaining traction as security forces work to enforce the curfew and prevent further bloodshed.
