Communal Crisis: Osun Assembly calls for relief materials for victims

The Osun State House of Assembly has tasked the Osun State Emergency Management Agency, OSEMA, to provide relief materials and temporary shelter for those displaced by the communal clashes in Ifon and Ilobu.

This is as the Assembly expressed heartfelt sympathy to the people of the affected communities over the recent communal clashes which claimed lives and led to the destruction of goods and properties.

DAILY POST gathered that crisis in the neighbouring communities stemmed from an age-long boundary dispute with many individuals still receiving treatment for varying degrees of injuries sustained during the violence.

The latest round of violence erupted in Thursday night and in response the state government directed security agencies to take charge.

The state governor, Ademola Adeleke also re-imposed disk to dawn curfew on both communities on Friday.

On Saturday, the state government in a statement issued by Kolapo Alimi announced that the curfew has been extended to Erin-Osun town and that the curfew time has been increased to 24 hours and is now indefinite.

At the Plenary presided over by the Speaker of the Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, on Monday, the Assembly commended the proactive measures taken by the Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to address the situation swiftly.

The House of Assembly in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Olamide Taimiyu, also praised the efforts of security personnel for their prompt response in restoring order to the affected areas.

The statement said, “The assembly tasked the governor and the Osun State Emergency Management Agency (OSEMA) to provide relief materials and temporary shelter for those displaced by the clashes.”

In a matter presented by Adekunle Oladimeji, the member representing Irepodun State Constituency, the House pleaded with Governor Adeleke to make provision for immediate assistance for the affected victims so as to help them recover from this unfortunate incident.

Speaker Egbedun also urged the traditional rulers and elders of the involved communities to prioritise peace and unity, emphasising the need for dialogue and understanding to prevent further escalation of conflict.

The Assembly also issued a stern warning to anyone attempting to instigate violence or exploit the situation for political gain, urging them to desist from such actions forthwith, while reiterating the assembly's firm commitment to fostering peace and stability in Osun State.