Schools remained closed on Monday in Ikare Akoko, in Akoko North East Local Government Area of Ondo, as students in other parts of the state were brought back from the Christmas and New Year holidays.
The area is under an indefinite 24-hour curfew imposed by the state government following bloody clashes over a controversial cultural festival.
Banks and other public institutions were also closed, as the city witnessed total activity on Monday.
Although there were signs of small trade throughout the city, the main market and supply shops were closed.
Residents who spoke to reporters admitted that the curfew was necessary, but asked the government to review the situation to relieve residents.
Sule Olaniyi, a resident, appealed to the state government to stop the curfew so that children’s education is not affected.
However, the government says the safety of citizens, especially school children, is more important.
Richard Olatunde, the governor’s chief press secretary, said on Monday that the government would not reopen schools in the town amid fears of violence.
“The curfew is indefinite and will remain in place until we are sure of the safety of lives and property in the town,” Mr. Olatunde said.
“The safety of the school children is the most important thing; we can not allow to go to school when some people are going around shooting, killing and maiming.
“The government will review the curfew when it is clear that calm has returned.”
A curfew was imposed on Thursday after violence erupted between two communities in Ikare Akoko.
Youths in Okoja area of the city had organized a New Year carnival on Tuesday at the market square but were attacked by another group of youths who claimed the carnival was not approved by the Owa-Ale of Ikare.
Houses were destroyed and other property destroyed during the war.
There are rumors of a murder but the police have clarified that no one was killed.
The police have asked Owa-Ale and Olukare of Ikare to control the subject to prevent further crisis.
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