Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered a reduction of the previously imposed 17-hour curfew in the conflict-affected communities of Ilobu, Ifon, and Erin Osun to 12 hours.
This decision comes in anticipation of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), which begins on April 24, with the governor stressing the need for education to proceed without disruption amid the ongoing communal violence.
The affected communities have recently experienced violent clashes that led to numerous fatalities and extensive property damage. However, the governor’s move to ease the curfew follows reports suggesting a gradual return to peace in the areas.
In a statement, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, clarified that the new curfew hours would be from 7 pm to 7 am daily. This adjustment is aimed at ensuring students, particularly those preparing for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination and the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME), can take their exams without obstruction.
Alimi also highlighted that the decision was based on security reports showing a steady ceasefire in the affected areas.
Governor Adeleke reiterated his administration’s commitment to ending the communal conflict, assuring that all necessary measures would be taken to restore peace. He commended the efforts of traditional rulers and residents in promoting peace and encouraged them to continue their work towards stability.
“We cannot allow the future of our children to be compromised,” Adeleke emphasized, stressing the importance of ensuring that students are able to sit for their exams without any hindrances.
To further maintain order, the governor instructed a joint security task force, comprising the Nigerian Army, Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to continue providing constant surveillance to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
Adeleke also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to resolving the crisis, directing the 100-member crisis resolution committee to accelerate their efforts towards finding a lasting solution. He called for unity from all stakeholders, urging both residents and those in the diaspora to collaborate in bringing an end to the unrest, underscoring that peace is essential for the development of the affected communities and the state as a whole.
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