The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ifon

  • Fear of renewed hostilities grips Ifon, Ilobu communities

    Fear of renewed hostilities grips Ifon, Ilobu communities

    • Adeleke warns monarchs

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke yesterday raised the alarm over plot by some people to restart the Ifon-Ilobu communal war over land dispute.

    This is happening barely 24 hours after The Nation visited the warring communities during Eid-el-Fitr celebration and observed that the atmosphere was still tense and the animosity was still lingering despite the security measures put in place by the state government.

    The governor yesterday promised to dethrone the monarchs of the warring communities if they failed to maintain peace.

    A statement by the governor through his spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, said Adeleke warned traditional rulers of Ifon, Erin Osun and Ilobu communities that if they failed to sustain the current peace, he would dethrone them.

    He said: “During Sallah celebrations, I received reports of some people planning another round of conflict in Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun towns. Security agencies have been instructed to increase surveillance to ensure no attack is carried out.

    Read Also: Adeleke raises the alarm over plot to resume Ifon/Ilobu clash

    “They are also speeding up interrogation of key suspects in the conflict. I want to remind leaders of the towns that the peace undertaking they have signed is not for joke. They will be held accountable. There will be accountability before the law.”

    The governor added: “The curfew we relaxed was on humanitarian grounds. As a compassionate government, we know many innocent people are suffering because of the evil agenda of a few elements across the conflict areas. Any attempt to exploit the adjustment of the curfew for renewed violence will be met with full re-imposition of the 24-hour curfew.

    “Additionally, I will remove from office, any traditional ruler where violence reoccurs. This card is on the table. Royal fathers of the towns must call their subjects to order. I will wield the big stick. Enough is enough.”

  • Adeleke condemns level of destruction at Ifon, Ilobu

    Adeleke condemns level of destruction at Ifon, Ilobu

    • Three arrested with gun

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke yesterday visited Ifon in Orolu Local Government and Ilobu in Irepodun Council to inspect the level of destruction in the warring communities.

    The Nation reports that over 100,000 residents were displaced; lives were lost and over N2billon property were destroyed during the clash, which later spread to Erin-Osun, over land dispute.

    Subsequently, Adeleke imposed 24 hours curfew on the communities and handed over warning letters of dethronement to the affected monarchs.

    Yesterday, Adeleke, with some members of his executive council (exco) conducted an on-the-spot assessment on the warring communities, which lasted for about two hours.

    The governor and his entourage toured Ilobu, Ifon and Erin-Osun.  The Nation learnt that several buildings were burnt in Ilobu, including two filling stations.

    There were countless empty bullet shells in the places affected by the clash.

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    Most Ilobu residents have moved to the boundary of Okini via Ojutu bridge, a neighbouring town to the warring communities. They stood beside the road, lamenting the level of destruction.

    Speaking to reporters after the assessment, Governor Adeleke condemned the level of destruction, lamenting that such crisis would give the state a bad image.

    He aid: “We have gone round and as you can see, there are security operatives in all the places. The curfew imposed has been very effective because we went round the three communities- Ilobu, Ifon and Erin Osun.

    “I am happy that the whole place is calm now. I want to commend security agencies for restoring peace.”

    Osun State Police Command through its spokesperson, SP Adeola Adeoye, said: “Three suspects have been arrested in possession of a Dane gun.

    “Thorough investigation will be conducted and suspects will be charged to court for prosecution. The command is monitoring the situation to fish out trouble makers and their sponsors, who will face the full wrath of the law.”

  • Adeleke visits warring Ifon, Ilobu communities

    Adeleke visits warring Ifon, Ilobu communities

    After the communal clash between Ifon of Orolu Local Government Area and Ilobu of Irepodun Council, Governor Ademola Adeleke on Monday inspected the affected areas of the communities. 

    The Nation reports that over 100,000 residents were displaced, lives lost and over N2billon property destroyed during the clash with the two communities which later extended to Erin-Osun over land dispute. 

    Adeleke imposed a 24-hour curfew on the communities and handed over warning letter of dethronement to their kings. 

    On Monday, Adeleke with some members of his cabinet conducted on-the-spot assessment of the warring the communities, which lasted for about two hours. 

    The Governor and his entourage toured Ilobu, Ifon, and Erin. 

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    The Nation observed scores of houses were destroyed and burnt in Ilobu including two petrol stations. 

    There were countless numbers of empty bullet shell in affected areas as most houses around the market areas of Ilobu were razed down. 

    Most residents of Ilobu have moved to the boundary of Okini via Ojutu bridge, a neighbouring town to the warring communities, as they stood beside the road lamenting the level of destruction. 

    Speaking with journalists after the assessment, Adeleke condemned the level of destruction in the communities, lamenting that such crisis will give the the entire state negative image. 

    He said: “We have gone around and as you can see there are security operatives in every places. The curfew imposed has been very effective because we went around all three communities of Ilobu, Ifon, and Erin Osun.

    “I am happy that the whole place is calm now and I want to commend security agencies for up and doing to ensure lasting peace.”

    He continued: “This crisis has lingered for a long and when I first came in as the Governor, I told when they are fighting there will be no development in the town, people will be scared of coming here. They will not come to Osun State not knowing that it is just a section of the community, they will run away.

    “We have put a lot of things in place and by the special grace of God, peace will be permanent. I have given a directive that all the culprits be brought to book. 

    “I am not going to take nonsense anymore because it’s getting too much, my people are dying, houses are being burnt and that is not acceptable.”

    Osun Police spokesperson, SP Adeola Adeoye confirmed: “So far, three suspects have been arrested in breach of the curfew armed with a Dane gun. 

    “Thorough investigation will be conducted and suspects would be charged to court for prosecution accordingly. The Command is equally monitoring the situation closely with a view to fishing out all the trouble makers and their sponsors to ensure that they face the wrath of the law.”