By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

The Osun State Police Command has deployed both conventional and mobile armed officers to restore peace in the warring Ifon and Ilobu communities.

This deployment follows the resurgence of the crisis between the two communities, which reportedly led to the imposition of a curfew.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, had announced a new curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily until lasting peace is restored in the troubled areas.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adeoye Akeem Adeola, who confirmed the development, said the police authorities in the state had taken proactive measures by deploying armed personnel to the affected communities.

He confirmed that mobile, conventional, and tactical police operatives were already keeping surveillance in the communities to ensure that normalcy is restored.

According to him, the police have also warned those instigating the crisis to desist, cautioning that anyone caught engaging in wanton destruction of lives and property will face the full weight of the law.

“We have taken proactive measures to prevent any further destruction of lives and property. I can assure you that normalcy is gradually returning, as the presence of security personnel is being felt in both communities.

“Our officers are closely monitoring activities, ensuring that everyone goes about their legitimate duties without fear of molestation or intimidation until lasting peace is achieved,” he said.

It will be recalled that some persons reportedly lost their lives in renewed hostilities between the two communities over a land dispute.

Our correspondent learnt that the inability of the warring communities to resolve the land and boundary issues prompted the governor to inaugurate a 100-man peace committee to find a permanent solution to the problem. However, their efforts have yet to yield positive results, leading to another escalation of the crisis.

This marks the second time the state government has imposed a curfew on the communities, as they are yet to lay down their arms.