Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered the establishment of holding camps for residents displaced by the recent communal clashes in Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin Osun.
The governor also confirmed that the “24-hour curfew remains in effect, with enhanced security surveillance in the affected towns.”
What began as boundary disputes between the Ifon and Ilobu communities last Friday morning escalated into violence that spread to Erin Osun on Saturday.
As a result, the state government increased the previously imposed 12-hour curfew to a 24-hour restriction on movement in the affected areas.
In addition to the casualties, many homes were destroyed across the three communities, forcing residents to flee to Okinni, Osogbo, and Ido Osun in order to avoid harm.
A statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, issued in Osogbo on Wednesday, stated that the establishment of holding camps was a follow-up to the distribution of food and relief materials through the palaces of the affected towns.
“Now that food and relief materials have been distributed, I have instructed the State Emergency Agency to proceed with setting up camps for the displaced people,” the governor said.
He added, “Each of the affected towns will have a camp, possibly in their town halls or another suitable location. Security agencies will screen displaced persons and arrange transportation to the camps. The emergency agency will provide food and essential items while the situation stabilises. They have also reached out to NEMA for additional support.”
Governor Adeleke also commended the security agencies for swiftly implementing his directive to identify and prosecute the key instigators of the communal violence.
“All those responsible for this crisis must be held accountable. I expect the suspects to be charged in court without delay,” he vowed.