Ondo Govt Imposes Curfew As Violence Rocks Ikare Community

By Ayodele Oni

Following reports of pockets of violent intra Communal crisis in Akoko area of Ondo state, the State Government has ordered the imposition of a twenty-four hour curfew on Ikare Town.

Ikare, a cosmopolitan community, is the headquarters of Akoko North East Local Government Area of the State.

The curfew, announced in a statement by the commissioner for information, Mr Donald Ojogo is coming just as the earlier one clamped on Igbara oke 10 days ago following crisis which trailed a bye election into a councilorship position was lifted.

According to the statement, the latest curfew is with immediate effect.

The statement added that government action “comes on the heels of security reports and credible intelligence arising from the situation in Ikare.

“Specifically, some deaths have been recorded as a result of sporadic gunshots that have pervaded the ancient town in the last 12 hours. This is most unacceptable.

“Security agencies, especially the Police and Amotekun have already been directed to ensure full compliance and enforcement of the curfew imposed.

“All Traditional Rulers, Opinion and Religious Leaders are enjoined to give maximum support to this order just as they are to rein in their subjects and wards.

“Meanwhile, the curfew imposed on Igbara-Oke since last week is hereby lifted.

“The State Security Council at its meeting on Monday,  reviewed the situation and concluded that while efforts are not spared to sustain the relative peace, it was only appropriate to lift the curfew, for now.

“This notwithstanding, all those arrested in connection with the crisis shall be prosecuted accordingly.”