The Osun State Government has ordered a 24-hour curfew with immediate effect in the Ifon and Ilobu communities of the state, following the ongoing communal clashes between its members leading to the loss of lives and properties.

Governor Ademola Adeleke, in a statement by Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said the curfew was to forestall further breakdown of law and order in the once “peaceful and law-abiding” communities.

“To maintain a lasting peace and order pending when the issues at hand would be amicably resolved, Governor Ademola Adeleke in his executive capacity as the Chief Security Officer of the State, has ordered the immediate take over of the disputed lands/areas by his administration,” the statement read.The state government also ordered strict restriction of both human and vehicular movements in the affected areas and communities, until otherwise directed by Adeleke.

Accordingly, officers of the Joint Security Task Force comprising, the Nigerian Army, Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps have been directed by His Excellency, to be on a 24 hour surveillance of the two communities with a view to ensuring a lasting peace,” it added.