The Ondo State government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Ikare-Akoko, headquarters of Akoko Northeast Local Government Area, over the New Year carnival clash.
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, on Thursday imposed the curfew after a New Year carnival organised by the youths in Ikare-Akoko on Tuesday was disrupted by sporadic gun shots.
The fracas entered into the second consecutive day on Wednesday sending residents scampering for safety.
A resident claimed that two lives had been lost, houses and shops razed, and properties worth millions of naira had been destroyed.
The disruption of the carnival by suspected gunmen was said to be connected with the supremacy battle between the Owa-Ale and the Olukare of Ikare, the two traditional rulers in the town.
Ikare had been embroiled in supremacy battles between the Owa-Ale and the Olukare of Ikare, the two traditional rulers in the town over the years.
Recall that the state government in August 2022, had elevated the Owa-Ale to the status of a first class traditional ruler, making the town to have two first class obas.
However, the State Government announced curfew in the town on Thursday in a statement signed and issued in Akure by Mr Richard Olatunde, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor.
Açcording to the he statement, the decision to impose the curfew was made at the State Security Council meeting headed by the governor on Thursday.
The statement read, “A 24-hour curfew has been imposed on Ikare-Akoko, headquarters of Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State, with immediate effect.
“The decision was made at the State Security Council meeting chaired by the Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.
“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.