Ifon/Ilobu crisis: Embrace peaceful negotiation, NANS urges warring communities

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged leaders and youths of the Ifon and Ilobu communities to embrace peaceful negotiation to put an end into the communal clash on going in the communities.

In a statement signed by NANS Assistant General Secretary, Southwest zone 1 , Josiah Adeyemo Kayode , the students body expressed concern over the violence which had resulted in recent loss of lives and destruction of property.

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NANS commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for imposing a curfew and initiating security operations to restore peace.

While it called on the Osun State Government to expedite interventions and ensure that those responsible for inciting violence are held accountable.

NANS in the statement lamented that the conflicts not only threaten the harmony of the communities but also disrupt the academic pursuits of students in the affected areas.

The students association however appealed to all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, and the student populace, to join hands in fostering an environment where peace and development can thrive.

“We write to express our deep concern over the recent communal clashes between the Ifon and Ilobu communities in Osun State.

“The escalation of violence, resulting in loss of lives and destruction of property, is deeply troubling. Such conflicts not only threaten the harmony of our communities but also disrupt the academic pursuits of students in the affected areas. We recall the devastating impact of past communal clashes, such as the Ife-Modakeke crisis, and we must strive to prevent a recurrence.

“We commend Governor Ademola Adeleke for imposing a curfew and initiating security operations to restore peace. However, we believe that sustainable peace can only be achieved through dialogue. We urge the leaders and youths of both communities to embrace peaceful negotiations to resolve their differences.

“Furthermore, we call on the Osun State Government to expedite interventions and ensure that those responsible for inciting violence are held accountable. It is imperative that political interests do not jeopardize the peace and tranquility of our state. Osun has a rich history of peaceful coexistence, and we must all work diligently to uphold this legacy.

“We appeal to all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, and the student populace, to join hands in fostering an environment where peace and development can thrive. Let us prioritize the future of our youth and the progress of our state by choosing dialogue over conflict,” the statement read.

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