Curfew In Ondo Community As Violent Protest Trail Re-Run LG Poll

By Ayodele Oni

A re-run election into three wards in Ifedore council area of Ondo state has led to violent protest at Igbaraoke, forcing the State Government to impose  a curfew.

The State Independent Electoral Commission, (SIEC) had conducted the re- run poll Wednesday, as a follow up to the Local Government election, which was held last year.

The Chairman of SIEC, Prof Yomi Denakin, presented certificate of return to winners of the re-run election on Thursday, shortly before violent protests erupted at Igbaraoke.

Contestants for the poll are members of the ruling All Progressive Congress, (APC).

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde, on Thursday night explained that the curfew became imperative to forestall spread of the protest.

The statement added that “Ondo State Governor, Rotimi  Akeredolu, SAN, has ordered the imposition of a twenty-four hour curfew on Igbara-Oke, headquarters of Ifedore Local Government Area of the State.

“This order is with immediate effect.

“This is sequel to the violent dimension of what was initially considered a peaceful protest in the town following the outcome of a Councillorship bye-election.

“All security agencies are urged to enforce to the letters, this order. In the same vein, Traditional Rulers, Opinion Leaders and all persons of goodwill are enjoined to rein in their wards as non-compliance with this curfew order shall not be tolerated.”