NIGERIA: Adeleke Imposes 24-Hour Curfew On Igbajo After Breakdown Of Law And Order

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Igbajo in Boluwaduro Local Government Area following violent disturbances that erupted on Sunday night and continued into the early hours of Monday.

The decision was announced in a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, citing intelligence reports from the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Barrister Samuel Ojo.

According to the statement, the unrest is linked to heightened tensions following the death of Prince Adegboyega Famodun, who passed away on Saturday after a brief illness.

Governor Adeleke described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that his administration would not tolerate any act of civil disorder that threatens the peace enjoyed across the state.

The governor said: “It is with deep shock and dismay that I received the sad news of the breakdown of law and order in Igbajo last night till the early hours of today.”

He further said: “As a government that believes in total compliance with the rule of engagement in ensuring peace and order at all times, my administration will not fold its arms to allow the breach of law and order anywhere in the state.”

He announced an immediate lockdown of Igbajo, directing all residents* natives and non-natives, to remain indoors until peace is fully restored. He warned that anyone found instigating or participating in acts that could further destabilize the town would face the full force of the law.

As part of the enforcement measures, Governor Adeleke ordered a joint deployment of security operatives, including the Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to maintain round-the-clock surveillance over the town.

“With effect from today, Monday, 1/12/2025, a contingent of all security personnel… should take charge by keeping a 24-hour surveillance in Igbajo,” the statement added.

The curfew takes effect immediately and will remain in force until orderliness and stability return to the community.