Ondo government imposes curfew in Ikare community

The Ondo State government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Ikare-Akoko, headquarters of Akoko Northeast Local Government Area, following clashes at an annual carnival in the community.

The state government said on Thursday that the curfew was with immediate effect.

According to a statement by Olabode Richard, the chief press secretary to the Governor, the decision to impose the curfew was taken at a State Security Council meeting presided over by Governor OluwarotimiAkeredolu.

“This followed the escalated violent clash in the town since Tuesday, which has continued unabated, despite the meeting held by Government and the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Momoh and Owa Ale of Iyometa, Oba Adeleke Adegbite to rein-in their subjects,” the statement said.

“Security agencies have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the order just as investigations are already on to unravel the real cause(s) of the violent clash.

“For emphasis, Ikare Akoko has been closed down for any unauthorised human movement and activity until further notice.”

It was gathered that youths of the community went wild on Tuesday firing gunshots following a disagreement over the staging of an annual carnival in the area.

Two persons were earlier reported to have died, but the authorities denied any loss of life.

However, several houses and shops were razed.

“Youths of the Okoja area of the town organised a New Year carnival on Tuesday at the area’s market square,” a source said.

“Some people went to disrupt the carnival, however, claiming that the organisers did not obtain approval from the traditional ruler, the Owa-Ale of Ikare.

“They burnt the house of the Olokoja, a high chief of the quarters, and that of another chief, while many shops were razed.”