The Ondo State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew in Ikare-Akoko, the headquarters of Akoko North East Local Government Area, following clashes at the annual carnival in the community.
The state government said on Thursday that the curfew will come into effect immediately.
According to a statement by Olabode Richard, the chief press secretary to the Governor, the decision to impose the curfew was taken at a meeting of the State Security Council chaired by Warot Governor Acaredolu.
“This follows the violent clashes in the town since Tuesday, which has continued, despite the meeting held by the Government and the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Momoh and Owa Ale of Iyometa, Oba Adeleke Adegbite to resolve the subject,” the statement said.
“Security agencies have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the order as investigations have been carried out to unravel the real cause of the violent clashes.
“To emphasize, Ikare Akoko has been closed to unauthorized human movement and activity until further notice.”
It was gathered that youths in the community went wild on Tuesday firing shots following a disagreement over the staging of the annual carnival in the area.
Two people were previously reported dead, but authorities denied any casualties.
However, some houses and shops were destroyed.
“Youths in Okoja area of the city organized a New Year carnival on Tuesday at the market square,” a source said.
“However, there are people who want to disrupt the carnival, but claim that the committee did not get the approval of the traditional ruler, Owa-Ale from Ikare.
“They burnt the house of Olokoja, the chief, and other chiefs, while many shops were destroyed.”
However, the traditional ruler, Adeleke Adedoyin-Adegbite, told journalists on Wednesday that no death had occurred from the clashes and that he had informed security operatives in the town to ensure peace.
Historically, there was a supremacy contest between Owa-Ale and Olukare of Ikare, the two traditional rulers of the town over the years.
READ ALSO: Despite anti-herdsmen laws, Ondo community blames invasion by herdsmen
In August 2022, the state government elevated Owa-Ale to a first class traditional authority, making the town have two first class obas.
Elevation of Owa-Ale, residents said, has raised the competition to new heights.
The police spokesperson, Olufunmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, also confirmed that no lives were lost in the conflict.
“No casualties have been recorded to the best of my knowledge,” he said.
“Warring parties have been warned to maintain peace, police and soldiers are patrolling the city to ensure law and order in the area.”
A similar crisis had occurred in the city last year in the Muslim community over the position of the community’s High Imam, a standoff that forced the police to lock down the central mosque from attack.
It took the efforts of the state government and security agencies to calm nerves and restore order among pilgrims.
Support the integrity and credibility of PREMIUM TIMES journalism
Good journalism costs a lot of money. But only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, responsible democracy, and transparent government.
For continued free access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider making a modest contribution to this noble effort.
By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help keep journalism relevant and ensure it remains free and available to all.
contribute
AD TEXT: Call Willie – +2348098788999
