Ademola Adeleke, governor of Osun state, has ordered a reduction of the previously imposed 17-hour curfew in the conflict affected areas of Ilobu, Ifon and Erin Osun to 12-hours.
The affected communities have been dealing with communal clashes that led to the mandatory curfew being placed. The clashes led to destruction of numerous facilities and property damage.
The decision to relax the curfew comes in anticipation of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). The examination is set to begin on the 24th of April.
The governor stressed the need for education to proceed without disruption amid the ongoing communal violence.
In the statement issued by Kolapo Alimi, Commissioner of Information and Public Enlightenment, he clarified that the new curfew hours will be from 7pm to 7am daily.
This adjustment is aimed at ensuring students preparing for the WASSCE and UTME, can take their exams without obstruction.
The statement also highlighted that the decision was made based on security reports showing a steady ceasefire in the affected areas.
To further maintain order, the governor instructed a joint security taskforce comprising the Nigerian Army, Police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps to continue providing constant surveillance to prevent breakdown in law.
