Ifon/Ilobu/Erin-Osun crisis: Police arrest three suspects with firearms

The Osun State Police Command has stated that three suspects, found in possession of firearms and defiant to the ongoing curfew imposed on the three communities of Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun, are currently being interrogated by the Command.

The Acting Police Public Relations Officer for the Osun Command, Adeola Adeoye, disclosed this in a statement late on Monday, emphasising that the police would not relent in ensuring peace is maintained in the warring communities.

According to him, “So far, three suspects have been arrested for breaching the curfew and were found armed with a Dane gun. A thorough investigation will be conducted, and the suspects will be charged in court for prosecution accordingly.”

“The Command is also closely monitoring the situation to identify all troublemakers and their sponsors, ensuring that they face the full wrath of the law,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Ilobu Asake Development Union (IDU), the leading group of Ilobu indigenes, has sought the prompt intervention of President Bola Tinubu regarding the towns’ communal clash.

The Union President, Olufemi Salako, made the call in an open letter dated 24th March 2025 and made available to newsmen in Osogbo.

The letter read: “We call on President Tinubu to direct the Chief of Army Staff to send his men to protect the Country Home of General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who served this great country to the last day of his life.”

Additionally, the community urged the President to “direct the Chief of Army Staff to establish a Command and Control Centre at the Ilobu Community to reinforce the security networks in Osun State and mobilise aggressively human and material resources towards alleviating the prevailing humanitarian crisis affecting the large number of displaced residents of Ilobu community.”

The community also requested the President to direct security agencies to replace current officers in the area with more competent and impartial personnel. The letter further demanded “the immediate arrest and prosecution of the ethnic militias that invaded Ilobu Community.”

In a separate development, a religious leader, Sanusi Amidu, has called for unity among communities, warning that disunity can lead to crises like those witnessed.

Speaking on Monday during a Ramadan lecture at Kajola Community, Ede, Osun State, he urged residents to work together to maintain peace and development.

“When there is no unity, peace cannot reign. Everybody will begin to see each other as enemies, and this will only lead to crisis,” he said.

“What is happening in Ifon, Erin-Osun, and Ilobu should serve as a lesson. Instead of division, neighbouring communities should work together for peace to reign.”

In his submission, the Baale of Kajola, Chief Yinusa Kabiru, preached oneness and harmony among societal groups.

“When issues arise in the community, we should not allow emotions to dictate our response. Instead, we must take a step back, weigh the facts carefully, and seek peaceful resolutions. A divided community cannot prosper, and as leaders, we have a duty to promote understanding rather than division.”

“Residents should respect one another and embrace patience and dialogue in solving crucial disputes. Allow patience, tolerance, and mutual understanding to prevent similar crises from occurring in the community.”

The Asiwaju of Kajola, Ayobami Agboola, also emphasised the importance of unity, stressing that it is essential for peaceful coexistence.

“Unity is the foundation of a thriving society. If we truly embrace it, we can live peacefully without conflicts or divisions,” he said. “Look at what is happening in Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun. If they genuinely wished for peace, they would come together, have meaningful discussions, and settle their differences amicably and diplomatically, rather than resorting to violence.”

Agboola, who was the Chairman of the occasion, called on the traditional rulers in the warring communities to take decisive steps towards reconciliation.

“The three kings must prioritise unity. They should come together, find common ground, and resolve their disputes so that innocent lives are not lost. Bloodshed will only deepen divisions,” Agboola stated.

He also urged Muslims to uphold the spirit of Ramadan beyond the fasting period, emphasising the need for continued faith and devotion.

ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE