Ifon/Ilobu Crisis: Osun govt issues 24-hour ultimatum to surrender firearms

On Thursday, the Osun State Government issued a 24-hour ultimatum to individuals or groups possessing firearms and ammunition in the two conflicting communities of Ifon-Ilobu.

They are instructed to surrender these items by today, February 1, 2024, to the nearest police station or security formations, or face arrest and prosecution.

Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, conveyed this directive in a statement following another high-powered security meeting with stakeholders from Ilobu, Ifon, Erin, and Okanla communities.

The meeting aimed to reach resolutions to bring an end to the communal crisis between Ifon and Ilobu.

Alimi outlined additional resolutions endorsed by all stakeholders:

• The police authority in the state is mandated to invite for interrogation all those who presented themselves as chiefs or custodians of the disputed areas.
• A 16-man Resolution Committee has been established by the Osun state government to discuss and find an amicable resolution to the issues at stake.
• The Committee is expected to submit its findings within two weeks, with February 15, 2024, as the deadline.

The commissioner emphasized that the high-powered security committee, which imposed a 6 pm to 6 am curfew earlier, still stands. Security personnel, including the Army, Police, and Civil Defence, are to remain in their positions to ensure lasting peace in the warring communities.

He also added that anyone found with arms and ammunition in the area after the deadline will be subject to arrest and prosecution.

Alimi concluded by stating that individuals or groups instigating further violence in defiance of the peace envisioned in the warring communities will face the full wrath of the law.