Osun Govt. Declares 24-hour Curfew in Irepodun, Orolu Councils
Abimbola Abatta, Osogbo
Following the violence that broke out between Ilobu and Erin-Osun communities on Saturday, Osun State Government has declared a 24-hour curfew in Irepodun and Orolu Local Government Areas of the State.
The curfew, according to the government, will douse tension in the troubled area.
It should be recalled that Governor Adegboyega Oyetola had ordered the immediate deployment of armed policemen with support from the army to restore law and order.
A statement by the SSG, State of Osun, Prince Wole Oyebamiji reads in part, “As a responsible and responsive government that took the sacred oath to protect the lives and property of our citizens, we believe that the declaration of curfew is the way to go in this circumstance.
“By this, security operatives have been directed to arrest and prosecute any person found violating the curfew and those responsible for the violence.
“All citizens and residents of the affected Local Government Areas are enjoined to comply with this directive as any person found contravening this order shall be made to face the wrath of the law.”
Stating that all efforts shall be made to protect lives and property, Oyetola enjoined all citizens to be peaceful and law-abiding.
Meanwhile, about five persons were reported to have sustained various degrees of gunshot injuries as Erin-Osun and Ilobu towns, Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State renewed rivalry over land dispute.
The state police command spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, who confirmed the story said two persons from Ilobu, Azeez Adamu and Abdullah Tairu were shot in the legs during the crisis.
According to her, some Erin-Osun youths were dissatisfied over alleged ceding of parts of Ayedande said to be within their community to Ilobu during enumeration area demarcation exercise.
She revealed that “Policemen were deployed from both Ifon division and Dugbe division in the state capital to the area to return normalcy. Two persons that sustained gunshot injuries have been taken to the hospital for treatment, while police have intensified patrol of the area to douse rising tension.”
