NIGERIA: Adeleke Relaxes Curfew In Osun Communities Ahead Of WASSCE

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has reduced the curfew hours in the conflict-prone communities of Ilobu, Ifon, and Erin-Osun from 17 hours to 12, because of the upcoming West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) scheduled to begin on April 24.

The curfew adjustment was announced on Tuesday, following the reports of a gradual return to peace in the area after weeks of violent clashes that claimed lives and destroyed properties.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the governor said the new curfew, now effective from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily is aimed at ensuring that students preparing for WASSCE, NECO, and UTME can access their exam centers without hindrance.

The statement reads: “Now that peace is gaining the centre stage on a daily basis, it gladdens my heart, as the Governor and Chief Security Officer of Osun State, to announce the relaxation of the curfew earlier imposed on Ifon-Ilobu-Erin Osun communities from 17 hours to 12 hours daily with effect from today.

“In the same vein, the new trend in the time frame of the curfew will also allow our children who want to write WAEC, NECO and JAMB Examinations to be able to do so without any form of hindrance, as we cannot allow their future to be mortgaged.”

Adeleke also reaffirmed his commitment to resolving the communal crisis, expressing gratitude to the traditional rulers and residents for working towards restoring peace. He urged them to continue on that path.

He further stated: “As a Governor, I am again reaffirming my commitment to do everything morally and officially possible at my executive disposal to bring the communal fracas in the three communities to an amicable end.

“So far, I am equally happy to say that the traditional rulers of the three communities and their subjects have been living up to the desired expectations in ensuring gradual return to peace. This is good and heart-warming. I urge them to keep the tempo high in this regard.”

The governor emphasized that a peaceful environment is essential for education, growth, and development in the state.

He further directed the continued deployment of a joint security team,comprising the Nigerian Army, Police, and Civil Defence Corps, to maintain round-the-clock surveillance in the affected areas.

Adeleke warned that anyone found instigating violence would face the full weight of the law.

Additionally, he tasked the 100-member crisis resolution committee set up to address the recurring clashes, to hasten their efforts toward a lasting resolution.

The governor called on indigenes of Ilobu, Ifon, and Erin-Osun, both at home and abroad, to support the peacebuilding efforts of his administration.

“I urge all sons and daughters of the three communities at home and in the diaspora to cooperate with me and my administration to bring this crisis to an end once and for all. It is only in an atmosphere of peace and unity that the much-sought growth and development can be achieved in the three communities of Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun, as well as the entire state,” Governor Adeleke concluded.