By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

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No fewer than three persons alleged to have been involved in the wanton destruction, murder, and willful destruction of lives and properties have been arrested by the police.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adeoye Adeola, confirmed the arrests in a statement, stating that a Dane gun and other dangerous weapons were recovered.

The police spokesman noted that persistent animosities between Ifon and Ilobu towns resurfaced in the early hours of March 21, 2025, and subsequently spread to Erin-Osun, leading to murder, arson, and the destruction of lives and properties.

“The Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Abba, has ordered the deployment of officers and men to the warring areas to restore peace, law, and order, in line with the police’s primary duty of protecting lives and properties.

“The Command, in collaboration with personnel from other security agencies, will do everything humanly possible to prevent further bloodshed and a breakdown of law and order through the strict enforcement of the 24-hour curfew declared by the Governor of the State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, in the affected areas.

“So far, three suspects have been arrested for breaching the curfew while armed with a Dane gun. A thorough investigation will be conducted, and the suspects will be charged in court accordingly.

“The Command is also closely monitoring the situation to identify and apprehend all troublemakers and their sponsors to ensure they face the full wrath of the law.”

Meanwhile, the governor, who visited the troubled communities on Monday for an on-the-spot assessment of the damages, urged security operatives to bring those responsible for the violence to justice.

The governor lamented the significant level of destruction in the affected communities and disclosed that the government has directed security agencies to bring the perpetrators to book.

“We have gone around, and as you can see, all the security agencies are here. The curfew imposed has been very effective because we visited all three communities—Ilobu, Ifon, and Erin-Osun.

“I must thank all the security agencies for their swift response. Immediately after our emergency meeting, they took over the area and ensured calm was restored.

“Osun has always been a peaceful state, and our security agencies have been doing a great job. They did not disappoint me, and I am happy that peace has been restored. I assure you that we will continue to support them with whatever they need to carry out their duties effectively.

“This crisis has lingered for too long. When I first assumed office as governor, I warned that constant fighting over land disputes would hinder the development of these towns. People will be afraid to visit or invest in these areas, and when they hear of violence in Osun, they may assume it affects the entire state, which is not the case.

“What I am saying, in essence, is that there is no need to fight over land and similar issues. We have put measures in place to ensure that, by the grace of God, peace will be permanent.

“I have given a directive that all culprits be brought to book. I will not tolerate this nonsense anymore. It has become too much—my people are dying, houses are being burned, and that is unacceptable,” the governor stated.