By Kamsi Anayo
The Governor of Ondo State Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Ikare-Akoko, headquarters of Akoko Northeast Local Government Area, following a fracas during a New Year carnival.
The Network gathered that pandemonium broke out in the town on Tuesday when a New Year carnival organised by the youths was disrupted by sporadic gun shots.
It was learnt that that those at the event and residents in the area took to their heels scampering for safety in fear of being caught in the cross fire.
Sources say that the disruption of the carnival by the gunmen might be connected with the supremacy tussle between the Owa-Ale and the Olukare of Ikare, the two traditional rulers in the town.
In August 2022, the state government had elevated the Owa-Ale to the status of a first class traditional ruler, making the town to have two first class obas.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Richard Olatunde, made the announcement in a statement on Thursday.
Olatunde said that the decision to impose the curfew was made at the State Security Council meeting headed by the governor on Thursday.
“This follows the escalated violent clash in the town since Tuesday, which has continued unabated, in spite of the meeting held between government and the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Momoh and Owa Ale of Iyometa, Oba Adeleke Adegbite, to control their subjects.
“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 unathourised human movement and activity until further notice,” the statement said.”
