From Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has eased the curfew imposed on the warring communities of Ifon and Ilobu following a gradual return to peace.

The curfew, initially set from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., will now be enforced from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., starting today, Sunday, March 2, 2025.

This decision was announced in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, on Sunday.

Adeleke expressed satisfaction with the progress made in restoring peace, acknowledging that while total stability has yet to be achieved, the situation is improving.

He assured residents that security personnel, including the Nigerian Army, Police, and Civil Defence Corps, would continue 24-hour surveillance to prevent any resurgence of violence.

The governor urged all stakeholders, including traditional rulers and community leaders, to work together to ensure lasting peace.

He also encouraged residents to use the ongoing Ramadan period to pray for harmony in the affected areas.

Adeleke reiterated his warning that anyone caught attempting to disrupt the fragile peace would face the full force of the law.

It will be recalled that communal clashes in Osun State, particularly between the Ifon and Ilobu communities, have been fueled by several underlying issues, including land disputes.

Our correspondent learned that the primary cause of the crisis has been long-standing disagreements over land ownership and boundary demarcations between the two communities.

These disputes have led to violent confrontations.

Ifon and Ilobu have a history of rivalry, with tensions dating back generations. This historical animosity has contributed to repeated conflicts.

Leadership and traditional authority struggles between ruling houses or chiefs in the communities have sometimes escalated into broader communal violence.

Reports indicated that political affiliations and interests in the communities have at times deepened divisions, with some factions using the situation for personal or group advantage.

Conflicts over access to farmlands, water sources, and other natural resources have intensified tensions, especially as population growth increases demand for land.

Previous clashes have often led to revenge attacks, making it difficult to break the cycle of violence.

The lack of effective dispute resolution frameworks and enforcement of agreements has prolonged hostilities between the communities.

Efforts by the Osun State government, security agencies, and traditional leaders continue to be crucial in maintaining peace and preventing further clashes.