Stop driving investors out of Osun, Adeleke tells warring communities

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called the people of Ilobu and Ifon communities in the state to cease hostilities and embrace peace.

Armed groups from the two communities have been embroiled in bloody clashes, leading to the loss of lives and destruction of property.

Following the clashes, the governor imposed a 6 pm to 6 am curfew on the communities and deployed security agents to enforce the order.

However, while addressing residents during visits to the two towns, Adeleke said the resolutions and other political strategies already adopted by his administration would tackle the root causes of the clashes, repeating his resolve to deal harshly with those behind the communal unrest.

A statement by the spokesperson to the governor, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Saturday, quoting Adeleke partly read, “I am here to preach peace as a condition for development and better lives for our people.

“I am here to warn that there is no room for warmongers and sponsors of violence. It is in everybody’s interest for peace to reign permanently in these communities.

“If you don’t know, your needless confrontations are scaring investors away from Osun. Don’t allow yourself to become agents of under-development. Let us jaw-jaw instead of war.

“I charge you all to sheathe your swords and embrace dialogue. Instead of blood shedding and destruction of properties, why not join hands to build a prosperous society? Our administration will reinforce and sustain peace at all costs. Join the Imole peace move now.”