TheCable

Ifon and Ilobu communities in Orolu and Irepodun LGAs in Osun have signed a peace agreement to end recurring communal clashes.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Kolapo Alimi, commissioner for information and public enlightenment, said the truce was reached on Friday night.

The two communities have a history of communal clashes and violent reprisal attacks over land disputes.

A recent clash on Thursday claimed eight lives, prompting Ademola Adeleke, governor of the state, to declare an indefinite curfew in the area. 

The peace accord was signed by leaders of the communities — Jimoh Waliyu of Ilobu, Babatunde Oyetunji of Ifon, and Bashiru Azeez, a representative of Olokanla, a neighbouring community.

The peace agreement was witnessed by government officials, including Kola Adewusi, Osun deputy governor, and Teslim Igbalaye, secretary to the state government. 

The commissioner said despite the “cheering development”, Adeleke has directed that the curfew subsists until further notice.

The governor commended the resolve of the warring communities to sign the agreement and restore peace.

Adeleke warned that anybody or group attempting to disrupt the calm in the area would face the full wrath of the law.